Chatham County man charged with felony murder in mother’s stabbing death

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Police say a killer is now off the streets. Law enforcement arrested a Wilmington Island man, who they say stabbed his mother to death this week.

That 37-year-old man has been charged with felony murder, according to Chatham County Jail records.

Addison Martinez was taken into custody Monday evening after a manhunt that involved multiple law enforcement agencies.

Police found Vida Martinez dead inside her apartment in the 100 block of Oyster Shell Road on Monday night. The Chatham County Coroner’s Office said she was stabbed at least once.

Neighbors say the woman was found nearly a day after she was actually killed.

Chatham County Police identified Addison as a person of interest after finding his mother’s abandoned vehicle in a commercial parking lot in Pooler.

“Stuff like that doesn’t happen.” That’s the message many members in the close-knit community of Wilmington Island are sharing with me.

“They had a friend who lived in the same apartment complex and had actually heard screams from the interaction with the victim, said Aaron, an employee at a nearby liquor store to the crime scene.

Monday night, around 6, Chatham County police responded to Vida’s apartment after her daughter discovered her inside. Police immediately began looking for Vida’s son-- Addison. Police and SWAT also went to another family member’s home just in case, in the new Hampstead area that night.

The next day, Martinez was found at a Parker’s gas station in that same area. He was questioned and booked into jail on no bond.

People in the community say it’s still hard to wrap their minds around.

“I can imagine it involved a lot of high-powered emotions, especially considering it was like a mother and a son, I don’t even imagine what would be going through either of their minds,” said Aaron.

It has locals worried for their own families, even with Martinez off the streets.

“Ever since this has happened like going outside to just have a cigarette is like making sure you bring a little baseball bat or something with you when even if you’re just sitting outside for a little bit on the porch,” said one local.

The family says they are taking the time to mourn and won’t be speaking with any media. They’re asking for privacy and respect during this unimaginable time.  

Martinez had previously bonded out of Glynn County jail on Oct. 22 for charges of aggravated assault and terroristic threats and acts, according to jail records. His bond was $178.

He is still being held on no bond at the Chatham County jail while he awaits his first appearance.