Richard Thomas Martinez, Riverside, California man murders roommate, Bradley Minder following altercation, buries him in makeshift grave in backyard.
A California man was arrested after his roommate’s corpse was found in the backyard earlier this week, according to cops.
Richard Thomas Martinez, 48, was taken into custody in connection with the alleged murder of 31 year old man, Bradley Minder.
Riverside Police responded at 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday to a home in the 8700 block of Sylvan Drive in Riverside, California, to conduct a ‘welfare check’ following reports that a resident had not been seen or heard from for several days.
Altercation between two men led to roommate killing the other
It was while officers were questioning a man living at the residence that Martinez claimed having killed his roommate. Martinez was detained with police executing a search of the property.
Police detectives and cadaver canines from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department were called to the home to assist in the investigation.
The cadaver dogs alerted detectives to freshly disturbed soil in the backyard. Detectives began digging the area and discovered human remains, KTLA reported.
The remains were later identified as belonging to 31-year-old victim, Bradley Minder.
Detectives said a preliminary investigation revealed that Martinez and Minder were involved in an altercation before Martinez allegedly killed Minder and buried him in the backyard.
It remained unclear what the dispute was about that embroiled both men. Also not immediately clear is the manner and cause of the roommate’s death.
Martinez was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and is being held without bail, FOX11 reported.
Suspect had no prior felony
Martinez has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
The man was scheduled to make his first court appearance, Friday afternoon.
The incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Detective Ricky Barajas at (951) 353-7213 or [email protected], or Detective Richard Glover at (951) 353-7134 or [email protected].