A Colorado man and his teen son were charged with murder after they allegedly killed the boy’s mother over the custody of a younger child.
Charles Martinez, 43, and 17-year-old Hevon Martinez were charged with first-degree murder in connection to the July slaying of Chrystal Snow, 38.
Snow was shot to death on July 2 at her Archuleta County home. Investigators determined her killing was “targeted.”
Weeks after the woman’s murder, her 5-year-old son Helliono Martinez vanished while under the emergency custody of the State of Colorado.
The boy was found safe with his father nine days later.
Snow had ended her relationship with Martinez in October 2023 and told the man she was filing for full custody of their youngest son.
Martinez and his teen son pleaded with Snow not to follow through the legal proceeding before deciding to end her life.
“Charles and [Hevon Martinez] were both aware that Chrystal Snow was preparing to file paperwork at court the following day, related to her petition for full custody of [Hevon Martinez’s brother],” the affidavit read.
Multiple witnesses shared with detectives detailed conversations between the suspects and the victim including verbal threats Martinez allegedly made.
