Hobbs police need witnesses help in murders

Posted at: 10/13/2009 7:23 AM
By: The Associated Press

HOBBS, N.M. (AP) - Hobbs police are asking witnesses to come forward so they can wrap up investigations in two shooting deaths.

Police spokesman Mike Stone said witnesses to the Aug. 1 shooting death of 18-year-old Jacob Navarrette have been reluctant to meet with investigators.

Same goes for witnesses to the Sept. 26 shooting death of 31-year-old Orlando Martinez.

Navarrette died after officers responded to calls about a fight where multiple gunshots were fired.  Stone says there are dozens of witnesses to the shooting.

Martinez was shot in the face and pronounced dead Sept. 26 inside a tattoo shop.  The shop's owner was stabbed in the heck and a woman was shot in the hand.

Stone says there were several witnesses inside the tattoo parlor but most won't answer the door when investigators arrive to talk.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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