Slaying suspect says he acted in self-defense
An 18-year-old man was arrested this week in connection with the slaying of a 41-year-old man whose body was found last month under the Sahara overpass.
Michael Martinez is facing a recommended charge of murder with a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Marcus Wayne Goodman.
According to his arrest report, Martinez told police he acted in self-defense when he killed Goodman.
Goodman was found dead July 30 from multiple stab wounds.
Martinez’s girlfriend told police that on the night of July 30 she received a call from Martinez who told her he had been in a fight with a man in a dirt lot under the Sahara overpass near Highland Road.
Because of their conversation, Martinez’s girlfriend thought he had stabbed the man he fought with, the report said.
She went to the lot and saw Goodman on the ground next to a chain-link fence.
At home, she found Martinez bleeding from scratches on his neck and forehead.
Martinez told his girlfriend he was attacked by a man with a stick and had to defend himself.
On July 31, Martinez spoke with police and told them he was attacked by a person near Palace Station.
Police searched his girlfriend’s house and recovered a shirt that appeared to be bloodstained.
Police spoke to Martinez again Tuesday. He told them he was walking through the dirt lot near under the Sahara overpass and spoke with a man who offered him a beer. Martinez accepted. Goodman, who appeared intoxicated, approached.
The report said Goodman asked Martinez whether he had a pipe. Martinez said no and walked away. Goodman ran at him with a long stick and hit him at least twice, Martinez said.
He told police he was hit once in the ribs and once above his right eye.
Martinez then took out a 6-inch knife and stabbed Goodman in the stomach eight to 10 times, the report said.
Martinez is being held without bail at the Clark County Detention Center.
Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@review journal.com or 702-383-4638.
