Glenn County killer denied parole

After more than two decades spent in jail as a cold-blooded murderer, the risk that Ramiro Martinez will reoffend will keep him behind bars for at least five more years.

The former Glenn County migrant worker was convicted in 1986 of the brutal rape and murder of 85-year-old Butte City resident Anna Cecil. 

Assistant District Attorney Dwayne Stewart recently traveled to Calapatria State Prison near San Diego to argue against Martinez's release at the felon's first parole hearing in 22 years.

"This is a man who does not follow the rules of society," Stewart said. "He should never be released from prison because he will always pose an unreasonable risk of danger to the public."

Stewart said Cecil was a widow living along in southeastern Glenn County when Martinez broke into her home December 1, 1980, tied her up, raped her and then beat her to death. 

"He used his fist to beat her so badly that he moved her organs around," Stewart said. 

According to the results of an autopsy, Cecil lived for about four hours after the beating before succumbing to her injuries. She was found later that evening by a neighbor.

Stewart said Cecil's murder might have gone unsolved if it wasn't for Martinez's complete disregard for the law. It was when Martinez was arrested for burglary in Washington that his fingerprints matched those found at the Butte City crime scene. At the time of his arrest, Martinez was carrying a knife, Stewart said. 

Stewart said the fingerprint "hit' was the break Glenn County detectives were waiting for.  Martinez was brought back for trial but pled guilty to Cecil's murder. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison. 

Stewart said Martinez first came to the area as an illegal immigrant. He had been caught and deported once, but returned to the area. 

Stewart said no motive was ever established in the murder.

"We don't know why he chose Cecil's home to break into," Stewart said. "There was no rhyme or reason. It was like he was just walking down the street and made a decision to go in." 

In addition to Stewart's pleading with the parole board not to release Martinez, Cecil's family sent letters also requesting the board keep Martinez locked up.

"Cecil was loved and she had a lot of friends," Stewart said. "Her death was vicious and cruel. It should not have happened."

Stewart said the parole board deliberated only a few hours before denying Martinez parole, as he has shown no attempt at rehabilitation during his incarceration. 

His next parole hearing is in five years.

In June, Stewart will travel to Sacramento for a parole hearing on a man convicted of stabbing another man to death in a local bar.