Bio

Johnny Joe Martinez was born on November 20, 1972. 

Murder Story

In July 1993, Johnny Joe Martinez entered a convenience store in Corpus Christi, Texas. He used the store's restroom and shoplifted some items before leaving. About 20 minutes later, he returned to the store and confronted the clerk, Clay Peterson, who was 20 years old. Martinez held a pocketknife to Peterson's throat and demanded money. After Peterson handed over $25.65 from the cash register, Martinez stabbed him multiple times in the neck, back, and shoulders.

After the stabbing, Martinez fled the store on foot. Peterson, despite being seriously injured, managed to call 911. He died shortly afterward from his injuries. Meanwhile, Martinez went to a nearby motel and called the police, admitting to the crime. He waited at the motel for police to arrive, where he was arrested without resistance.

On January 26, 1994, Martinez was convicted of capital murder. He was sentenced to death for the murder of Peterson. His conviction and sentence were upheld by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in 1996. Over the years, he made multiple appeals, but all were denied.

Martinez was executed by lethal injection on May 22, 2002, in Huntsville, Texas. His final words criticized his trial lawyers, whom he felt were responsible for his death, and he expressed remorse for his actions.