VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach police need help to solve the December 2022 killing of a Navy servicemember.
Detectives announced on Monday that leads in the case have gone cold, but they’re still looking for justice for Gabriel Martinez’s family.
Martinez was a dedicated servicemember; he was assigned to USS San Jacinto where he worked as an Operations Specialist. He was also a beloved son, and a promising young man. His life was cut short, and after almost a year, his family and friends are still without answers.
Martinez, 24, was found shot to death on Pickering Street in Virginia Beach around 2:20 a.m. on December 3, 2022, after attending a work Christmas party. Police were alerted to the crime by Shot Spotter.
More than a year later, police still have no solid leads.
“We don’t know why that location is where he wound up. A number of items were removed from him as well,” said Virginia Beach Detective Michael Koch.
Martinez was last seen leaving Omega Bar, and police have shared photos of potential suspects seen in the parking lot of Omega Bar that night. The pictures are the best evidence police have at this time. The grainy still photos show a man in a yellow hoodie, a man in a white coat and their getaway car, a red Kia.
WAVY asked Virginia Beach if there is any indication there was an altercation of any sort inside or outside the club. Detective Koch said, “No, we do not believe that there is any indication of that.”
Virginia Beach police released this surveillance photo from Dec. 3, 2022 outside Omega Bar. They’re hoping to identify possible suspects related to the killing of Navy servicemember Gabriel Martinez. 
Virginia Beach police released this surveillance photo from Dec. 3, 2022 outside Omega Bar. They’re hoping to identify possible suspects related to the killing of Navy servicemember Gabriel Martinez. 
Virginia Beach police released this surveillance photo from Dec. 3, 2022 outside Omega Bar. They’re hoping to identify possible suspects related to the killing of Navy servicemember Gabriel Martinez. 
Virginia Beach police released this surveillance photo from Dec. 3, 2022 outside Omega Bar. They’re hoping to identify possible suspects related to the killing of Navy servicemember Gabriel Martinez.
“We urge anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward and assist us in our investigation. Your information could be the missing piece that brings closure to Martinez’s loved ones and helps bring those responsible to justice,” police said.
WAVY’s Regina Mobley spoke with Martinez’ family Monday. His mother said she prays VBPD will find the killer(s) so no other family will have to experience the pain her family has suffered.
Martinez’ father made a direct plea for information. “If anybody knows anything, please come forward. Help us get justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact VBPD Homicide Detectives at 757-385-4101 or anonymously through the Crime Solvers hotline at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP/P3Tips.com.
