Crime Wire Investigates! August 30

You can hear Crime Wire Investigates beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern.

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Segment One: The Victor Bach Case

Victor Bach, 71, was found beaten to death at his Western Plumbing and Heating business on Treat Avenue in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2003. During their investigation homicide detectives uncovered evidence of fraud committed against Victor’s business.

On December 22, 2004, Victor’s widow, Kathleen Bach, was arrested on fraud and embezzlement charges. However, the case didn’t go to trial until nearly four years later, with testimony finally beginning on October 27, 2008. While awaiting court action the Bach family filed a civil wrongful death suit against Kathleen on October 28, 2005, alleging that she was responsible for her husband’s death.

On November 14 Kathleen was found guilty on 13 counts in the $2 million fraud. On June 30, 2008, after a series of postponements, the widow Bach was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison. Although it was less than the prosecutor and Victor’s family wanted, it was a victory. In spite of a $127,000 reward, no arrests have been made in regard to Victor’s murder.

Additional info on the Bach case can be found at http://www.friendsofvictorbach.com.

Victor’s sister, Sandra Hayes, and Gene Cervantes of Citizens Against Homicide, will update this troubling case.

Segment Two: The Joseph Martinez Case

On September 10, 2010, 20-year-old Joseph Martinez was shot to death just inside the front door of his home in Richmond, California.

At around 4 p.m. that day, Joseph’s mother, Barb Myers, saw her son across the street from their home, where his car was parked. He was talking with a black male, age 17 to 20, who was sitting on a bicycle. Barb felt that Joseph seemed uncomfortable and had a strained expression on his face. When he returned inside the house she asked him about it. He said only that he knew the other young man. When Barb and her sister left to go to dinner a few minutes later, the sister noticed the same kid sitting on his bike down the street staring at the Myers’ home.

Upon arriving back at the house at 6 p.m., Barb and her sister found the street blocked off with crime scene tape. Police were everywhere, including on Barb’s porch. When she asked the officers what was going on she was told that her son had been shot to death.

So far, the $10,000 reward being offered has failed to lead to an arrest and Joseph’s killer remains at large.

Barb Myers and Gene Cervantes will discuss the case with the Crime Wire Team.