On Nov. 21, Timothy Joseph Grouss is charged guilty for his role in the murder of a Belton teenager, Fernando Martinez, in August 2022; and was arrested two years ago and he is sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Guilty of Murder
Grouss was taken to the Bell County Juvenile Detention Center and later certified as an adult to stand trial. He was only 16 years old when he was arrested in August 2020 concerning the shooting of 16-year-old Belton High School junior Fernando Martinez near a Belton outdoor basketball court.
After two years, the court found him guilty of murder and sentenced him to a decade and a half in prison. Another teen, 17-year-old Robert Garnett, is charged with murder for his contribution to Martinez’s death, according to msn.com report.
Gun Fire After a Fight
According to a report, the shooting occurred on an outdoor basketball court in the 400 block of Smith Street. According to the police, Fernandez and Grouss knew each other and had a fight before the shooting, a source posted.
The police were called after a dispute was reported, and when they arrived, they discovered Fernandez with two gunshot wounds. He was brought to a nearby hospital, but died due to gunshots
Remembering the Life of Martinez
At a young age, Martinez died because of a small family, but the family is still grieving and trying to remember the teenager’s life.
The family of Martinez later invited the public to honor his memory with a balloon release that Sunday night. His family asked attendees to wear blue or white. The event will start at 7 p.m. at the basketball court where Fernandez was shot.
Those attending the event are advised to park at the Harris Community Center Parking Lot. Everyone is welcome to join and should wear a face mask as part of COVID-19 health protocols.
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