June 21, 2000

Police believe an accused killer skipped his trial Wednesday because he was shooting it out with police early Wednesday morning at a tavern in Murray.

It all began as a home invasion robbery, but ended with one suspect dead, three in jail, and another-- a dangerous murder suspect-- still on the run.

News Specialist Richard Piatt has more on who he is and why he's free.

The folks in Third District Court wondered where Michael 'Angel' Martinez was for his murder trial Wednesday morning. It turns out Martinez was on the run after a shootout with police.

Court records confirm Michael 'Angel' Martinez was free on bail; a $100,000 bond, even as a home invasion robbery and police shoot out was unfolding. Martinez is facing trial for criminal homicide for his involvement in another home invasion case.

Last August, Michael Moya was shot and killed in front of his wife and children. Martinez was arrested less than a week later and accused of driving the getaway car. Martinez was doing the same thing Tuesday night, according to police, a duty probably assigned to him because he's confined to a wheelchair.

But that wasn't his first time on the wrong side of the law. Court records show Martinez has been arrested in Salt Lake County for attempted criminal homicide in 1986. Over the years he's also faced aggravated burglary, theft, assault, resisting arrest and DUI charges. And that's just in Salt Lake County.

Tuesday night the violence started at a home near 40th South and 12th East. There, the homeowner was shot, the home robbed of money and jewelry. The suspects then planned to rob Frankie and Jonnie's Tavern.

Sheriff's deputies spoiled the plan, resulting in the shootout with police. In the end, three men were arrested, one committed suicide, and one--Martinez-- is on the loose. The details of the robbery and shootings indicate the suspects are all violent or desperate, or both. Police say the same description applys to the man who was supposed to help them get away.

"ANGEL MARTINEZ SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED. HE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED VERY DANGEROUS."

There is a new arrest warrant out for Angel Martinez. But so far, there is no sign of him. His trial is still scheduled to begin again Thursday.