Oceanside Murderer Joaquin Martinez Sentenced

Superior court judge Joan Weber commented that Joaquin “Jaws” Martinez’s description of chopping apart the body of his victim was “some of the most chilling testimony I have ever heard” in more than 20 years of criminal court.

Martinez was sentenced to 28 years to life in prison on January 28. A dozen friends and family of Janina Hardoy, the young woman Martinez killed six years ago, gave comments to the court before sentencing. Many tearfully expressed outrage that Martinez had called Hardoy a “yapping chihuahua” when he testified during his murder trial, which concluded in May of 2010.

Judge Weber ordered the medical examiner’s office to release the last remains of Hardoy to her family. Only her feet and hands have been recovered by police, who found the body parts in a dumpster.

Thirty-two-year-old Martinez will get his first parole hearing after serving 28 years in state prison, according to his defense attorney, Daniel Lee Mitts. At that time, it will be determined if he should get another parole hearing in 15 years or serve the rest of his life in prison. Because he has been sentenced for first-degree murder, there will be no time off for good behavior, Mitts said.

Pictured: Joaquin Martinez

Photo credit: Nick Morris