ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – The mother of a 10-year-old New Mexico girl who was found dead and dismembered told police she looked for men online and at work to sexually assault her daughter, according to search warrants obtained by a newspaper.
Michelle Martens told police that she had set up encounters with at least three men before the girl was drugged, raped and killed last month, the Albuquerque Journal reported late Tuesday (https://goo.gl/bujnqP ).
The single mother told investigators she didn’t set up the sexual assaults for the money but did it because she enjoyed watching, according to the warrants. It’s unclear how long she had been arranging meetings before Victoria Martens’ death or if police have identified any of those men.
Police found the girl’s dismembered body inside the apartment she shared with her mother on the day she was expected to celebrate her 10th birthday. The slaying ignited outcry and vigils.
Michelle Martens, Fabian Gonzales, and Jessica Kelley – a cousin of Gonzales’ – have been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated criminal sex penetration of child under 13. Victoria was stabbed and strangled.