(KIWA Staff Stock Photo)Le Mars, Iowa (KTIV-TV) — A Sioux Center man convicted of fatally shooting a Le Mars man in 2024 was sentenced Friday, October 16th.
Twenty-three-year-old Omar Martinez Cruz was sentenced to mandatory life in prison without parole. He was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder in August.
Cruz was accused of killing 21-year-old Miguel Martinez of Le Mars in 2024. On Monday, September 30th, 2024, officers were called to a Le Mars apartment at 37 3rd Avenue Northwest for reports of “shots fired.”
When officers arrived on scene, they found Martinez suffering from a gunshot wound.
Later on Friday, October 4, 2024, investigators determined that Cruz was in Sioux Center. A tip then helped investigators determine Cruz returned to Le Mars at about 8:30 p.m. on the same day.
Law enforcement says Cruz was dropped off at 7th Street South in the Foster Park Area by a black full-size pickup.
Cruz was eventually arrested on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, when the Sioux City Police Department received a tip that Cruz was in the area of 29th and Chambers Street.
Cruz was eventually found unarmed and alone and was taken back to Le Mars for questioning.
When investigators searched Cruz’s residence, they found a handgun as well as ammunition that was similar to the shell casings found at the crime scene. During their search, investigators also found clothing belonging to Cruz that appeared to have blood on it.
