Man Accused of Murdering His Stepmom Likely to Accept Plea

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A man charged in the fatal stabbing of his stepmom will likely accept a plea but is waiting for the victim’s family and his mother to come into town on counsels’ request. 

Rufino Martinez, 20, allegedly stabbed his 30-year-old stepmom, Arely Granados, around 12:30 p.m. on the 5600 block of Tramore Road on Sept. 14, 2018. Martinez was 17 when the murder occurred. He is charged with first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon with the intent to injure. 

According to WBAL, Martinez had recently moved to Baltimore from North Carolina in the hopes that living with his father would help his troubled behavior. 

On Wednesday, the prosecution offered a plea of life, suspending all but 30 years, and five years of probation for first-degree murder.

Martinez’ defense attorney, Robert Linthicum, told Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Jones that the offer will likely be accepted. 

Linthicum and the prosecution requested a date to be set so the victim’s family and the defendant’s mother are able to attend from out of state. 

The prosecution noted that even though Martinez had been found mentally competent to stand trial, he has other issues and all parties involved will benefit from meeting in person in front of a judge. 

The hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2022.

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