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Roxann Martinez, Witness In Donthe Lucas Murder Trial Of Kelsie Schelling, Gunned Down In Denver

DENVER (CBS4)- A woman considered a star witness in the Donthe Lucas murder trial of Kelsie Schelling was shot and killed in Denver last week. Denver police said that Roxann Martinez's death is not believed to be connected to the murder trial.

Martinez was shot and killed at the intersection of E. Kenyon Dr. and S. Wabash St. at 11 p.m. on Feb 25. The Denver medical examiner ruled her death a homicide from a gunshot wound.

"Denver police officers were notified of a woman down in the streets," Denver Police Department spokesperson Christine Downs told CBS4's Dillon Thomas.

Police would not release many details about the investigation as a suspect has not been identified publicly.

However, many have raised concerns about the reason for Martinez's murder, citing her plans to testify in a murder trial.

Donthe Lucas
Donthe Lucas (credit: Pueblo Police Dept.)

Martinez was supposed to testify for the prosecution in the ongoing murder trial in Pueblo. Lucas has been charged with murdering Schelling, even though her body has never been found. Lucas pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in August 2018.

When she disappeared in February 2013, Schelling was pregnant and was reportedly traveling from Denver to Pueblo to talk to Lucas about it.

Kelsie Schelling
Kelsie Schelling (credit: CBS)

Messages on Schelling's phone showed she texted Lucas that she was pregnant, and his replies indicated he was unhappy.

On the day she reportedly disappeared, GPS on her phone showed it traveled to the same location in Pueblo as Lucas' phone.

CBS4 was on scene in 2017 when investigators dug up the yard of a home where Lucas used to live. However, nothing was found. Schilling's body has never been recovered.

While some friends, and others in the public, have suggested Martinez's death was a result of her plans to testify in the case, Denver Police said they do not have evidence to back that claim at this time.

KELSIE SCHELLING SEARCH 6PKG_frame_1194
(credit: CBS)

"We don't have anybody in custody at this time. We don't believe there is a danger to the community at this time. And, we don't believe it was related to any trials or any other issues that are going on right now," Downs said. "We don't believe that there are any connections to anything else."

Anyone with information about Martinez's shooting death is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867). You can text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter your message or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com. If the information you provide leads to the arrest and charging of a wanted individual, you can receive a cash reward up to $2,000.

 

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