Jupiter Joe, a Bronx street astronomer, convicted for the 1999 murder of a young girl in a cold case.

In a significant development in a long-unsolved murder case, Joseph “Jupiter Joe” Martinez has been convicted of the 1999 murder of Minerliz Soriano, a 13-year-old girl from the Bronx. The Bronx District Attorney’s Office announced the jury’s verdict on Friday, securing a conviction on charges of second-degree murder.

Martinez, 53, was accused of committing the heinous crime that left Soriano’s family searching for answers for over two decades. The murder case remained cold until the utilization of advanced DNA technology and investigative tactics led to Martinez’s arrest in 2021. Soriano’s body was discovered in a dumpster in Co-op City on February 28, 1999, four days after she went missing. She had been sexually assaulted, and investigators noted that her body was concealed in garbage bags, highlighting the tragic nature of her death.

Following a thorough investigation, evidence pointed to Martinez, who resided just a few floors below Soriano in her apartment building. This connection became pivotal when detectives employed a familial DNA search, a method that has gained traction in recent years for its effectiveness in solving cold cases. In this instance, DNA evidence linked Martinez’s deceased father to the crime, leading authorities to scrutinize Martinez himself.

At trial, Deputy District Attorney John Miras detailed the events leading up to Soriano’s death, emphasizing her passion for astronomy—a shared interest that Martinez also professed. This unfortunate linkage is underscored by the tragic irony of Martinez’s role as a community astronomer, where he often engaged with local children under the guise of amiability. The prosecution posited that this facade masked a darker reality, culminating in a fatal encounter with Soriano.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark commended the relentless efforts of law enforcement to bring closure to Soriano’s family after such an extended period. The conviction was met with relief by those who have advocated for justice, underscoring the importance of persistence in criminal investigations, particularly concerning cold cases. Martinez is expected to face sentencing in January, bringing a somber yet pivotal chapter in this tragic narrative closer to a resolution for Soriano’s bereaved family and community.

As the legal proceedings conclude, the case stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and advancements in forensic science, illuminating the potential for justice even after years of unanswered questions. The quest for truth in such deeply affecting matters remains crucial for the healing of affected families.