California teen's 2019 disappearance: Suspect rearrested, indicted for murder

The authorities have apprehended a suspect in the long-unsolved disappearance of California teenager Victoria Marquina.

Joshua Anthony Martinez, originally detained in October 2019 in connection to the Amador County girl's vanishing, was later released.

Recently, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday that Martinez has been re-arrested in relation to the case. 

According to the jail records, he now faces murder charges alongside allegations of committing several sex offenses with a minor.

Martinez faced indictment in San Joaquin County court on Monday and is being held with no option for bail.

"I spoke with Victoria's mother soon after I assumed office. She shared with me her sorrow and anguish over not knowing her daughter's whereabouts and the lack of accountability for her death," stated San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas outside the courthouse after the proceedings. 

"This has deeply affected me and has been a constant concern since taking on my role."

Martinez, who was 21 when Marquina went missing, was involved in an illegal relationship with the 16-year-old, according to the Amador County District Attorney's Office, which has oversight in Sutter Creek and contributed to the investigation. 

Martinez had previously confessed to authorities that he left her in Sutter Creek.

Joshua Anthony Martinez in San Joaquin County Court on March 16, 2026.

Prosecutors indicated that Martinez escaped to Mexico shortly after Marquina disappeared. He was brought back to the US before his initial detention.

Although Marquina's remains have never been discovered, both her car and cellphone were located in San Joaquin County soon after she vanished.

"I believe by now she would have graduated and be living her dreams," Marquina's mother, Blance Valencia, shared with CBS News Sacramento. 

"She had countless aspirations. Regrettably, someone took those away. Yet, I maintain hope that she'll return to us one day."

During Martinez's first arrest, the sheriff's office stated that they had circumstantial evidence pointing to his alleged involvement in her death.