US horror: Mom, boyfriend arrested over 10-yr-old's brutal murder

Albuquerque (US), Aug 27: She was preparing to celebrate her 10th birthday but Victoria Martens was found dead in her family's home by Albuquerque police officers. Her dismembered body was found weapped in a blanket put on fire.

Details of what New Mexico state authorities called an unspeakable crime surfaced on Thursday (Aug 25) in a complaint filed against the mother of the victim, her boyfriend and his cousin in connection to the murder. The three were taken into custody on Wednesday night.

Police said the 10-year-old was injected with methamphetamine drug, sexually assaulted, strangled and stabbed. Her body was dismembered later.

The police personnel went to the spot after receiving a call before dawn on Wednesday and discovered the gruesome scene that left them shocked.

A makeshift shrine was made under a tree at the residential complex with relatives and flowers dedicating flowers, balloons, toys and candles to Victoria. Many said the memorial made up the child's birthday gift.

Michelle Martens, the 35-year-old mother of the victim; her boyfriend Fabian Gonzales, 31, and the latter's same-age cousin Jessica Kelley faced charges of child abusing leading to death and tampering with evidence. The two cousins were also accused of sexually penetrating a minor.

Both Gonzales and Kelley have arrest resords, it was said.

Oneindia News