BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A family in South Texas is mourning the loss of their loved one, 20-year-old Martin Martinez, and is left wondering why the man accused of his murder has been released from jail before facing justice. This case has raised significant concerns about safety and accountability in the community.
The man at the center of this controversy, Nicholas Devion Sommers, was arrested alongside three other men for a violent home invasion in northeast Bexar County. Notably, Sommers had an active murder warrant for Martinez’s death when he was apprehended, as reported by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
In August 2023, deputies discovered Martinez’s body in a remote area with a shell casing nearby. Sheriff Javier Salazar stated that authorities later found Martinez’s Toyota truck at a nearby school, where fingerprints inside matched those of Sommers.
Sommers was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and other offenses. However, the situation escalated further when, in July 2026, he was arrested again along with three others for their involvement in a separate home invasion. During this incident, a homeowner was shot but fortunately survived.
A viral video shared by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office captured part of the chaotic scene. It showed one of the suspects, Rodney Robinson III, making a dramatic escape across busy traffic after failing to stop for law enforcement. Sommers, however, was seen in the passenger seat and did not flee.
Family Grieves and Seeks Justice
Amidst this turmoil, Maria Jaquez, Martinez’s sister, continues to grapple with her brother’s tragic loss. She expressed her frustration and confusion over Sommers’ recent arrest, emphasizing that every day is a reminder of the pain their family endures. “There’s no day that I don’t think about it,” Jaquez shared, voicing her concerns about Sommers being free to potentially harm others.
The emotional toll of losing Martinez is profound, especially for his two daughters, who often ask, “Where is Papi at?” Jaquez highlighted the love their family has for Martinez and the void left in the lives of his children.
Recently, the family attended a court hearing for Sommers, only to find that the case had been postponed. A prosecutor informed them that the trial would be delayed due to Sommers’ new charges.
Jaquez expressed her desire for accountability, stating, “We’re waiting for this trial; we’re waiting for everything to see what happened.” She hopes that the legal proceedings will provide the answers they seek and ensure justice for her brother.
In her quest for justice, Jaquez aims to keep her brother’s memory alive. She wants others to remember him not just as a victim, but as a beloved family member with dreams and aspirations. “I want his name to be remembered as a person that was loved, that it’s not just another case,” Jaquez said passionately. “This type of thing shouldn’t happen.”
