In Kewanee, a local man accused of setting two houses ablaze and subsequently leading police on a high-speed chase has been ordered to remain in pretrial detention. During the hearing, Judge Colby Hathaway determined Roberto Martinez, 42, would stay in custody following testimonies from both prosecution and defense attorneys. Initially resistant to communication, the defendant did engage with Attorney Sosalla, after the court recessed. A Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2024, at 1 PM.
On November 8, 2024, the Henry County State’s Attorney’s Office formally charged Martinez with Three Counts of Attempted First Degree Murder (Class X Felony), Residential Burglary (Class 1 Felony), Residential Arson (Class 1 Felony), Arson (Class 2 Felony), Criminal Trespass to Residence (Class 4 Felony), Three Counts of Criminal Damage to State Supported Property (Class 4 Felony), Two Counts of Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer (Class 4 Felony), Criminal Trespass to Residence (Class A Misdemeanor), and Resisting a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor).
Law enforcement officials said there were no occupants in the houses when Mr. Martinez set them on fire. The attempted murder charges are for almost striking a police officer, firefighter, and civilian while fleeing from police. A friend of the family started a GoFundMe account to help the family from the loss of their house from the fire. You can donate here, and find a list of items needed immediately that can be dropped off at the AmericInn in Kewanee.
