Sylmar man who ran over, killed his father with SUV charged with murder, attempted murder

LOS ANGELES - A 26-year-old Sylmar man who uses a wheelchair and allegedly ran over his father with a sport utility vehicle, killing him and injuring a brother, was charged today with murder and attempted murder.

Martin Martinez was scheduled to be arraigned sometime this afternoon in downtown Los Angeles, according to the District Attorney's Office. Prosecutors are recommending that he be held in lieu of $2 million bail.

Martinez, driving a vehicle he was able to operate with hand controls, allegedly ran down his father and struck his brother outside the home in the 13200 block of Bradley Avenue about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. The SUV also knocked down a brick foundation for a mailbox.

Francisco Martinez, 62, was fatally injured.

One of Martin Martinez's brothers, Jesus, told reporters he and his two brothers and father had been fighting, and several punches were thrown. The argument spilled outside, ending when Martin Martinez got into the vehicle, authorities said.

The SUV just "missed me by five feet," Jesus Martinez said.

The fight apparently involved a lost dog and a broken door at the family home.

Source: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18248206?source=rss

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