Watch CBS News

Sylmar Man, 26, Accused Of Murdering Dad By Running Over Him With SUV Charged

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A 26-year-old Sylmar man who allegedly ran over his father with a sport utility vehicle, killing him and injuring a brother, was charged Friday with murder and attempted murder.

Martin Martinez, who uses a wheelchair, was arraigned in downtown Los Angeles, according to the District Attorney's Office.

After he pleaded not guilty, Martinez was held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Martinez, driving a vehicle he was able to operate with hand controls, allegedly ran down his father and struck his brother outside the home in the 13200 block of Bradley Avenue about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Francisco Martinez, 62, was fatally injured.

One of Martin Martinez's brothers, Jesus, told reporters he and his two brothers and father had been fighting, and several punches were thrown. The argument spilled outside, ending when Martin Martinez got into the vehicle, authorities said.

The SUV just "missed me by five feet," Jesus Martinez said.

The fight apparently involved a lost dog and a broken door at the family home.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.