Juvenile Pleads to Killing Orosi Teacher, Sentenced

Today in Department C of the Tulare County Superior Court, Juvenile Division, the court sentenced a 16-year-old male minor to juvenile custody for the 2023 shooting death of Orosi teacher Sergio Martin. The minor admitted to the murder with special allegations that that crime was committed during a burglary and that a firearm was used. He further admitted to receiving stolen property. The juvenile admitted all crimes filed against him on August 29, 2024.

Just after midnight on November 6, 2023, the juvenile, age 15 at the time, entered Martin’s home to commit a burglary. When confronted by Martin, the juvenile shot him multiple times and fled the residence. A few hours later, the minor returned to the crime scene with two male adults with the intent to retrieve the firearm and other property. A neighbor observed the individuals leaving the residence and called police, who found Martin deceased. The juvenile was identified through video surveillance and located at his residence. Evidence did not reveal that Martin was known to his assailant.

Under current California law, juveniles under the age of 16 cannot be tried as an adult under any circumstance, including murder, and cannot face life without parole or other adult sentence (SB 1391). As such, the juvenile in this case can only remain in custody up to the age of 25.

Two adult defendants are charged with crimes that are alleged to have been committed after the murder. Jorge Luis Arrieta, age 21, is charged with second-degree burglary, accessory after the fact, and receiving stolen property. Joseph Angel Garcia, age 20, is charged with second-degree burglary and accessory after the fact. Both men are pending jury trials.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Erica Gonzalez (559) 636-5494