Jose Joey Juan Palafox Jr., 45, was found dead outside the Parlier Plaza Apartments on October 1, 2022, having suffered multiple gunshot and stab wounds. Investigators tied the killing to a dispute over a stolen bicycle; the victim was alleged to have a history of theft-related offenses, including an attempted burglary into the neighbor’s home.

A 70-year-old neighbor, Edmundo Martinez, was identified as the primary suspect. Prosecutors charged Martinez with murder and with using a firearm and a knife in the commission of the crime. Court filings indicate Martinez followed Palafox the day after a planned confrontation, shot him multiple times, reloaded, and then stabbed him in the face until Palafox was dead. Martinez has pleaded not guilty; his defense contends he acted in the heat of passion over ongoing thefts, while the prosecution describes the attack as deliberate and premeditated.

Anyone who knew Palafox, Martinez, or the neighborhood and has information is asked to come forward.