Street astronomer on trial for murder 26 years after discovery of Bronx girl’s body.

A chilling cold case spanning over two decades has resurfaced in a Bronx courtroom, where prosecutors allege that Joseph “Jupiter Joe” Martinez, an amateur astronomer with an approachable demeanor, is responsible for the murder of 13-year-old Minerliz Soriano. The prosecution’s opening statements revealed a harrowing narrative, framed by the juxtaposition of Martinez’s jovial public persona and the tragic realities of his alleged crime.

The timeline of Minerliz’s disappearance is particularly poignant. She was last seen on February 24, 1999, after attending an after-school program; a few days later, her body was tragically discovered in a dumpster, concealed in garbage bags and showing signs of strangulation. According to Assistant District Attorney John Miras, Martinez resided just a few floors beneath Minerliz and presented himself as a passionate astronomy enthusiast who often engaged with children about the cosmos. However, behind this façade allegedly lay the dark truth of a horrific crime.

For years, the investigation into Minerliz’s murder saw detectives exhaust numerous leads without resolution. The breaking point came following the introduction of advanced DNA techniques. Investigators successfully linked Martinez to the scene through a familial DNA search that initially identified a partial match with the DNA of his deceased father, who had a history of criminal offenses.

In a notable investigative maneuver, detectives approached Martinez under the pretense of seeking astronomy lessons for a child, eventually collecting a DNA sample from him without his knowledge. The subsequent analysis revealed a match to the biological evidence gathered from Minerliz’s clothing, drawing the net tighter around Martinez, who has consistently denied the charges.

Martinez’s defense has attempted to portray reasonable doubt, suggesting that the DNA could be from common interactions within their shared living space in the apartment building. His attorney also hinted at the possibility of other factors contributing to Minerliz’s tragic demise, suggesting complex dynamics within her family life that could merit investigation.

The trial, ongoing in Bronx Supreme Court, has evoked compelling emotions as the jury is reminded of Minerliz’s aspirations; she dreamt of becoming an astronaut, often expressing her enthusiasm for stargazing. Miras’s statements in court touch upon the stark contrast of her hopes against the brutal reality of her fate, providing a stark backdrop to the events surrounding her disappearance and subsequent murder.

The case not only encapsulates the struggle for justice over an extended period but also highlights advances in forensic technology that may offer closure to long-standing mysteries. As the trial unfolds, it remains to be seen how the jury will weigh the evidence presented, set against the heart-wrenching narrative of a young girl with bright aspirations lost too soon.