California Man Charged With Murder in 2019 Disappearance of Pregnant 16 Year Old Student

A suspect has been charged with murder in the 2019 disappearance of pregnant high schooler Victoria Marquina. Her remains are still missing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 9:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from people.com

Grand Jury Indictment and Arrest

A multi year investigation into the disappearance of a 16 year old girl from Sutter Creek, California, has resulted in a felony indictment. Joshua Martinez was arrested on March 12 following a San Joaquin County grand jury proceeding. He faces four felony counts, including murder, in connection with the death of Victoria Marquina. Martinez is currently being held without bail at the San Joaquin County Jail and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

Details of the 2019 Vanishing

Victoria Marquina was reported missing by her mother in October 2019. Investigators determined that she had been in an unlawful relationship with Martinez, who was 22 at the time, and had become pregnant approximately one month before she disappeared. Marquina was last seen in Livingston with Martinez on October 9, 2019. Four days later, her vehicle was discovered abandoned in Escalon, more than 50 miles away from her home. While her phone and car were located in San Joaquin County, physical evidence suggested foul play.

Suspect Extradition and Previous Statements

Shortly after the teen vanished, Martinez fled to Mexico. He was eventually extradited back to the United States and questioned by authorities in 2020. At that time, Martinez alleged that he had met Marquina on a dating app and claimed she had misrepresented her age. He told investigators that he had dropped her off in Sutter Creek following their last encounter, a claim that prosecutors now dispute based on newly developed evidence. Martinez had been arrested previously in relation to the case but was released due to a lack of sufficient evidence at that time.