They say the guy from Riverside County killed his roommate and buried his body in their backyard. On Monday, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, around 7:45 p.m., police were called to the 8700 block of Sylvan Drive in the Arlanza neighborhood because someone had “not been seen or heard from in several days,” according to a statement from the Riverside Police Department.
“During their initial investigation, officers learned that one of the occupants had made statements claiming he killed his roommate,” the report said. “That occupant was detained, and a search of the property revealed a possible crime scene in the backyard.”
The statement said that homicide officers and experts from the department’s Forensics Unit were called to the scene.
Detectives were “alerted” by cadaver dogs to a spot of freshly tilled dirt in the backyard. When they dug, they found human remains.
The Riverside Sheriff-Coroner’s Office sent workers to the spot to finish getting the body out of the “makeshift grave,” the statement said. Bradley Minder, who is 31 years old, was named as the victim.
After some time, the suspect was found to be Richard Thomas Martinez, 48 years old. He was charged with murder and is being held without bail. Police say he pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges on Monday.
Minder’s mother told CBS News Los Angeles that he was living with his uncle at the house when Martinez was also allowed to move in. She also said that the suspect had been caught a few days before the murder for hitting Minder’s uncle but had since been freed.
The family of Bradley Minder said in a written statement, “Bradley Minder was the kindest person who ever lived.” He had a good heart and was a true friend, brother, and uncle. He loved his family more than anything else in the world. He was quick to forgive and loved everyone with an open heart. He was a natural guardian with a golden heart.
No one seems to know when Martinez is next due to appear in court.
RPD can be reached at (951) 353-7213 by anyone who might know more.
Source: Riverside County man accused of killing roommate, burying body pleads not guilty
