Crime & Safety

Man Pleads Not Guilty of Killing and Dismembering Boyfriend, Body Found in Griffith Park

Gabriel Campos-Martinez, 38, was arrested March 9 for allegedly killing 66-year-old Hervey Medellin, whose head was found inside a plastic grocery bag on Jan. 17, 2012, by hikers near the Hollywood sign.

A man suspected of killing and dismembering his live- in boyfriend, whose head and other body parts were found in Griffith Park in 2012, pleaded not guilty today to a murder charge.

Gabriel Campos-Martinez, 38, was arrested March 9 in San Antonio, Texas, and brought to Los Angeles to be prosecuted for allegedly killing 66-year-old Hervey Medellin, whose head was found inside a plastic grocery bag on Jan. 17, 2012, by hikers near the famed Hollywood Sign.

A subsequent search led to the discovery of Medellin's feet and right hand in another plastic bag, according to police.

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According to police and prosecutors, the defendant and the victim had lived together for about six months in a Hollywood apartment.

According to a 2012 search warrant affidavit, Campos-Martinez filed a missing-person report for Medellin the day before the remains were found. He was described in the affidavit as Medellin's "domestic partner."

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During an interview with detectives on Jan. 19, 2012, Campos-Martinez "provided inconsistent and suspicious statements," according to the affidavit. He agreed to a polygraph examination, the results of which showed that he was "being deceitful of dismembering the victim's body and having knowledge of the victim's murder," according to the court document.

Campos-Martinez allegedly acknowledged that he had access to Medellin's bank account, use of his ATM card and knew his Social Security number. Investigators determined that he had been using the ATM card and making inquiries that led them to believe he was looking to relocate, and researching gold and diamond websites in hopes of selling items Medellin owned, according to the affidavit.

According to prosecutors, Medellin died from asphyxiation, and he was likely killed on or about Dec. 27, 2011.

Campos-Martinez faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted, according to the District Attorney's Office. He is due back in court on April 16.

—City News Service


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