Candles, flowers and stuffed animals rest in a tribute to a girl of 10 years old who police said New Mexico was brutally murdered. Three people have been arrested in the case, including his own mother, he reported CNN en Espanol.
Victoria Martens had just started fourth grade in an Albuquerque elementary school and celebrated his 10th birthday last Tuesday. Wednesday was killed in what police described as a "horrible" crime.
Friends and family honored the victim during a vigil last Thursday. One of those present said Victoria Martens will always be remembered for her smile.
Albuquerque police identified the suspects of his murder as Victoria's mother, Michelle Martens, his mother's boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales and Gonzales cousin, Jessica Kelley.
According to a criminal complaint obtained by CNN, the agents arrived and discovered two adults with minor injuries and saw a third adult trying to flee the family apartment by jumping from a balcony.
When police entered the apartment, which was full of smoke, discovered the body of Victoria Martens partially wrapped in a blanket on fire, in a bathtub, police said.
According to the complaint, the girl had no pulse, his left leg was almost completely severed and both arms were gone. She was pronounced dead at the scene.