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Former local charged with murder
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| Ron Martinez participates in a Town Council candidates’ forum in October 2002. He went on to get 10 percent of the vote in the election. |
By Jutta Biggerstaff
Hi-Desert Star
PALM SPRINGS — Former Yucca Valley resident Ron Dwayne Martinez, 41, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Palm Springs resident Karyn Kleine, said Michael Jeandron, Riverside County District Attorney spokesman. According to Palm Springs police, Kleine’s body was found Sept. 21, 2007, in a dirt field northwest of Farrell Drive and Tachevah Road. Evidence at the scene indicated foul play and a homicide investigation was launched.
Last seen March 9, 2007, Kleine had been reported missing two days later after she failed to meet a lunch date and did not return his calls.
Police conducted a check of her residence and discovered her vehicle was missing. That vehicle was located March 17 at the Indio Fashion Mall.
The investigation revealed Kleine had ended a relationship with Martinez around Feb. 22.
According to a police timeline, on March 9, 2007, Martinez abruptly quit his job and subsequently left the Coachella Valley on March 16.
In December last year, detectives located Martinez in Arizona and interviewed him about the murder. Police said he gave conflicting statements and denied any involvement. However, investigators claim physical evidence found in the victim’s car and at the crime scene linked Martinez to the crime.
On Nov. 14, 2008, a warrant was issued for Martinez’s arrest, charging him with Kleine’s murder. He was arrested Nov. 15 in Battle Mountain, Nev., and extradited to California.
Martinez is being held at the Riverside County Jail. His next scheduled court appearance is Jan. 21, 2009.
Martinez was politically active during his time in Yucca Valley, serving as president of the Hi-Desert Democratic Club, running for Town Council in 2002 and submitting frequent letters to the editor to the Hi-Desert Star.
He once served on the parks, recreation and cultural commission.
Martinez got 10 percent of the vote that year.
He was a write-in candidate for Rep. Jerry Lewis’ congressional seat in 2000.
Covering his candidacies, the Hi-Desert Star reported Martinez held a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Phoenix and had lived in town since 1996. He was a manager for a car-rental agency and said he had served in the United States Navy and Marines.
Last seen March 9, 2007, Kleine had been reported missing two days later after she failed to meet a lunch date and did not return his calls.
Police conducted a check of her residence and discovered her vehicle was missing. That vehicle was located March 17 at the Indio Fashion Mall.
The investigation revealed Kleine had ended a relationship with Martinez around Feb. 22.
According to a police timeline, on March 9, 2007, Martinez abruptly quit his job and subsequently left the Coachella Valley on March 16.
In December last year, detectives located Martinez in Arizona and interviewed him about the murder. Police said he gave conflicting statements and denied any involvement. However, investigators claim physical evidence found in the victim’s car and at the crime scene linked Martinez to the crime.
On Nov. 14, 2008, a warrant was issued for Martinez’s arrest, charging him with Kleine’s murder. He was arrested Nov. 15 in Battle Mountain, Nev., and extradited to California.
Martinez is being held at the Riverside County Jail. His next scheduled court appearance is Jan. 21, 2009.
Martinez was politically active during his time in Yucca Valley, serving as president of the Hi-Desert Democratic Club, running for Town Council in 2002 and submitting frequent letters to the editor to the Hi-Desert Star.
He once served on the parks, recreation and cultural commission.
Martinez got 10 percent of the vote that year.
He was a write-in candidate for Rep. Jerry Lewis’ congressional seat in 2000.
Covering his candidacies, the Hi-Desert Star reported Martinez held a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of Phoenix and had lived in town since 1996. He was a manager for a car-rental agency and said he had served in the United States Navy and Marines.
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