Steve Martinez, 17

Sept. 16, 2001

Steve Martinez, a 17-year-old Latino male, died Sunday, Sept. 16, after being shot in Cypress Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

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One reader comment

I was a suspect in his murder knowing him and going to school with him I never thought that I would get accused for his murder the person or persons that said I did it I don't know what they were looking for and I did not do anything to him. that changed my life tell this day it still haunts me the way I was treated by northeast Police Department and now anytime I come in contact with a police officer the first thing he asked me if I was ever arrested and I always have to say yes I was arrested for murder and they still treat me like a murderer and I was always innocent I wish I can meet the people that accuse me of his murder and ask them why did they say it was me what did I do wrong for them to accuse me I still ask myself this question I was only 18 years old when I got arrested for his murder I am 31 years old now and it still haunts me tell this day and I think it's going to haunt me for the rest of my life I was one of the lucky ones but I know that there is hundreds just like me and luck was not on their side and they are still paying the price of somebody's death that they did not commit I hope whoever reads this can understand the pain I went through and the suffering they put my family through I know it must be rough for his family knowing he's gone but why destroy another family for no reason!

— Jesse Rodriguez Jan. 26, 2016 at 5:35 a.m.