3 Suspects Charged, 2 From Illinois And 1 From Wisconsin In Connection With The City OF Racine October 2021 Homicide Of 31-year-old James E. Hamilton

Two suspects from Illinois and one suspect from Racine, Wisconsin have been charged with the October 2021 homicide of 31-year-old man in the City of Racine.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 14, 2022

Racine, Wisconsin - The Racine Police Department reported on Friday that three suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the October 4, 2021 homicide of James E. Hamilton, 31, who was found deceased at 1009 Monroe Ave. with multiple gunshot wounds. Police had responded to the residence in October for a possible home invasion call and discovered the victim, Hamilton inside with multiple fatal gunshot injuries.

Police recovered a Smith & Wesson revolver .357 caliber handgun with blood stains in the handgrip, it had three spent cartridges, a rifle (AR-15) and other spent cartridges, 9mm and .22 Cal. cartridges were recovered in the living room, including bullet holes in the wall and furniture, according to the criminal complaint.

Drugs that included marijuana, LSD, heroin and mushrooms and also large amounts of cash (more than $127,000) were recovered from Hamilton's residence.

A neighbor's video surveillance camera caught two of the suspects going into Hamilton's residence and then running out. Cellphone text messages between Hamilton and Christopher were recovered tying him to the Hamilton's murder.

The homicide suspects were identified as Jonathan A. Martinez, 25, of Gurnee, Illinois, who was charged with party to a crime 1st-degree intentional homicide and attempted armed robbery with use of force. 

Christopher M. Martinez, of Waukegan, Illinois was charged with party to a crime 1st-degree intentional homicide and attempted armed robbery with use of force.

Moises R. Gonzalez, 28, of Racine was also arrested and charges are pending for attempted armed robbery with use of force and possession of THC with Intent to deliver.

If convicted, Jonathan and Christopher are facing life on prison each for the intentional homicide and up to 40 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines each for the attempted armed robbery. A cash bond of $1,000,000 was set for each homicide suspect. Both, the Martinez brothers are being held at the Lake County Sheriff's jail in Illinois and are awaiting extradition to Wisconsin.

If convicted, Gonzalez is facing up to 40 years in prison for armed robbery and up to $100,000 in fines, and 3 years and 6 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines for possession and intent to deliver THC. A $62,500 cash bond was set for Gonzalez.