(KTIV) — A jury has found a man guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the 2024 shooting death of a 21-year-old man in Le Mars.
Court documents show a jury found 23-year-old Omar Martinez Cruz guilty Thursday, August 27, of one count of first-degree murder in the death of Miguel Martinez.
Cruz’s bond has been revoked, and the court has ordered a pre-sentence hearing. He is scheduled to be sentenced Friday, October 16, at 9:30 a.m.
Under Iowa law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
September 2024 Shooting
The case dates back to September 30, 2024, when Le Mars Police were called to an apartment at 37 3rd Street Northwest after receiving a report of shots fired.
Officers arrived and found Martinez suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
The investigation continued over the following days as authorities worked to locate Cruz.
On October 4, investigators determined Cruz had been in Sioux Center. Authorities later received information indicating he returned to Le Mars at about 8:30 that evening.
Law enforcement said Cruz had reportedly been dropped off near 7th Street Southeast/Southwest in the Foster Park area by a black, full-size pickup.
Cruz Arrested After Nearly Weeklong Search
Cruz was taken into custody on October 6 after the Sioux City Police Department received a tip that he was in the area of 29th and Chambers streets in Sioux City.
Authorities found Cruz alone and unarmed. He was taken back to Le Mars for questioning and later booked into the Plymouth County Jail.
During a search of Cruz’s residence, investigators reported finding a handgun and ammunition similar to spent shell casings recovered from the shooting scene. Investigators also reported finding clothing belonging to Cruz that appeared to have blood on it.
Cruz’s trial had originally been scheduled for April 14, 2026, before being delayed until August 18.
The jury returned its guilty verdict on August 27.
