‘Very difficult year’ as charges filed in death of Dinuba teacher
DINUBA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – 50-year-old Sergio Martin was shot and killed inside his Dinuba home in November of 2023.
Sergio Martin was a Spanish teacher at El Monte Middle School in Orosi.
The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office says a total of three people were arrested.
Dinuba Police Chief Abel Irarte says they all had a criminal history.
Cutler-Orosi Unified School District Superintendent Yolanda Valdez said students and staff are still mourning over 50-year-old Sergio Martin.
Friends remember teacher from Dinuba shot and killed inside his home
“All you need to do is walk onto campus and in every room you will find something that commemorates Mr. Martin,” said Cutler-Orosi Unified Superintendent. “Don’t forget something like this. This is very traumatic.”
Valdez said Martin’s father died last month, she said staff members are praying for his mom at this tough time.
“I just want to let Hilda know that our hearts go out to her,” said Valdez. “This has been a very difficult year for her and let her know that we are praying for her and the entire staff has her in her thoughts and prayers.”
The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office and Dinuba Police are handling this case.
Police Chief Abel Iriarte says an unidentified 16-year-old boy is being charged with murder and special allegations of burglary, and personal and intentional discharge of a firearm.
DA: 16-year-old arrested, charged in Dinuba teacher death
Officials said he was 15 at the time of the crime.
“The State of California has certain rules and regulations for juveniles,” said Chief Iriarte. “The juvenile can only do a maximum of till the age of 25… But he has been charged for the homicide of Sergio Martin.”
21-year-old Jorge Arrieta and 20-year-old Joseph Garcia were charged with felony second-degree burglary and felony accessory.
Officials said both are charged for entering Martin’s home after his death.
Arrieta is in custody and had his arraignment on Monday. As for Garcia, he posted bail and will return to court on May 22 for his arraignment.
