Tragedy Strikes East San Angelo With A Young Life Lost

On the night of Wednesday, July 23, 2025, tragedy struck in East San Angelo just after 10 p.m. Police charged into the area of Roosevelt Street and Rio Concho Drive after reports of a vehicle crashing into a stone mailbox. When officers arrived, they discovered that the driver, 19-year-old Joe Angel Martinez III, had been shot and was unresponsive behind the wheel.

A Young Life Lost Too Soon

Martinez was rushed to Shannon Medical Center, where he was sadly pronounced dead.

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The Crash Landed in Our Own Front Yard

As fate would have it, the vehicle left the roadway, struck a mailbox, and came to rest in the front yard of our Market President for Kickin' Country 103.1 FM and Townsquare Media in San Angelo, A’Lisa Denny, my boss. I could hear it in her voice, she was still shaken two days later.

“It was definitely traumatizing when I first stepped outside. But honestly, I wasn’t thinking about myself, I was thinking about the family that lost their son. I’m just so grateful to God that I was safe, but I truly wish I could have done something to help that young man. That was my first instinct when I saw the car, even though it was dark. I started walking toward it, but suddenly a line of police and rescue vehicles pulled up, lights on, and officers fully armed. That’s when I went back inside. I’m still shaken by it all. My heart breaks for that young man’s family, they’ve lost their son.”
- A’Lisa Denny, Market President, TSM-SA

Police Confirm: Homicide Investigation Underway

San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith confirmed during a press conference that the case is being investigated as a homicide. While no arrests have been made, investigators believe the victim and the shooter may have known one another. The Criminal Investigations Division is actively working leads.

Anyone with information is urged to contact San Angelo Crime Stoppers at 325-658-HELP (4357). All tips can remain anonymous.

Our Prayers Are With the Martinez Family

This is a heartbreaking situation no parent should ever face. From all of us at Townsquare Media San Angelo, Texas, our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Martinez family as they grieve the loss of their son. We pray for justice, peace, and healing.

We’ll continue to follow the investigation and provide updates as more details become available.

Young Texas Fugitives Wanted for Serious Crimes, Massive Rewards Offered

Each one of these men is under 35 and wanted in connection to serious offenses, including kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and attempted murder. Each should be considered armed and dangerous.

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven