Carthage man charged with domestic assault, kidnapping

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged a Carthage man with two counts of domestic assault and a single count of kidnapping after allegedly attacking his girlfriend May 17.

An arrest warrant was issued for Angel Odir Martinez (DOB 1996). 

From the probable cause statement:

On 05/17/2026, I, Officer Gardner, responded with officers from the Carthage Police Department to the Carthage Public Library in reference to suspicious activity involving a large amount of blood in the outdoor garden area.

Upon arrival, officers observed a substantial pool of blood near a bench, multiple blood droplets throughout the parking lot, and barefoot footprints in the blood. Officers observed blood trails indicating the victim had moved throughout the area while actively bleeding before the trail terminated near 7th Street, suggesting she had entered a vehicle.

Officers reviewed surveillance footage from the library and identified the bleeding subject as Victim 1. Through prior law enforcement contacts, officers were aware Victim 1 resided at Address 1 with her boyfriend, Angel Martinez. Officers also observed blood droplets leading from the library area to Victim 1's residence, including blood on the sidewalk, steps, and porch.

I later contacted Victim 1 at Mercy Hospital Carthage after hospital staff confirmed she had arrived seeking treatment for injuries. Upon contact, I observed Victim 1 had significant blood on her clothing and hands, a severe laceration to her right hand requiring medical treatment, visible bruising and injuries to her forearms and face, and a distinct red ligature-type mark extending around the front and sides of her neck. 

I additionally observed Victim 1's shirt was torn. Based on my observations, the injuries were consistent with assaultive behavior and strangulation.

Victim 1 initially provided inconsistent explanations for her injuries, claiming she accidentally cut herself while sweeping and that her neck injury was caused by her shirt becoming caught on a door. 

During the investigation, Victim 1 became emotional and repeatedly expressed concern about Martinez getting into trouble. Victim 1 eventually disclosed that Angel Martinez assaulted her with a broom handle during an argument. 

Victim 1 stated Martinez struck her multiple times with the broom handle, causing injuries to her arms and back. Victim 1 further stated she attempted to grab the broom during the assault, at which time the sharp exposed metal end of the broom handle cut her hand, causing significant bleeding.

Victim 1 additionally disclosed that when she attempted to leave the residence, Martinez grabbed her by the back of her shirt and dragged her while choking her, preventing her from leaving. Victim 1 stated Martinez continued choking her until her shirt tore, allowing her to escape from the residence. Officers observed injuries consistent with Victim 1's account, including the torn shirt and ligature-type markings around her neck.

Medical staff advised officers they observed bruising to Victim 1's upper arms. Officers also documented bruising to Victim 1's forearms consistent with defensive injuries. Victim 1 further disclosed Martinez had previously choked and assaulted her during prior domestic incidents, particularly when intoxicated.

Based on the totality of the investigation, I have probable cause to believe Angel Martinez knowingly caused physical injury to Victim 1 by means of a dangerous instrument, specifically a metal broom handle, and knowingly restrained Victim 1 without her consent by choking and dragging her as she attempted to flee the residence, substantially interfering with her liberty and exposing her to a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death.

Jasper County Circuit Court records indicate Martinez is currently on probation after receiving suspended sentences on felony charges in January and February 2025.

Judge David Mouton placed Martinez on probation for five years January 13, 2025, for driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident. Under a plea agreement with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office, a charge of delivery of a controlled substance, a felony, was dismissed.

The crimes occurred in 2021.

On February 11, 2025, Judge John Nicholas fined Martinez sentenced Martinez to six months, suspended the sentence, placed him on probation for two years anf fined him $500.

Under the terms of the plea agreement with the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's office, two misdemeanor charges were dismissed.