Kayla Hamilton, 20
20-year-old woman with autism. Had just moved to Aberdeen, Maryland from Texas to live with her boyfriend. Worked at a Subway restaurant.
- Original chargeIllegal entry / juvenile immigration custodyApril 1, 2022
- ReleasedICE declined juvenile detainer; released to MD CPSApril 15, 2022
- 103 days laterMurderJuly 27, 2022
What happened
Martinez forced his way into Hamilton's apartment, raped and strangled her. Her final moments were inadvertently recorded on her boyfriend's voicemail when she tried to call him as Martinez arrived. Pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in 2024. Sentenced by Judge Yolanda Curtin to life with all but 70 years suspended.
The release decision
On April 1, 2022, Walter Javier Martinez was charged with illegal entry / juvenile immigration custody. Federal immigration enforcement U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ordered the release on April 15, 2022. Terms: ice declined juvenile detainer; released to md cps. Prosecutors had asked for hold for ice. The defendant had 1 prior arrests at the time.
The defendant's record
Illegal entry to US in 2022. Identified as MS-13 gang member. Released by Aberdeen Police to Maryland Child Protective Services after ICE declined to issue a juvenile detainer.
Sources
- MS-13 gang member pleads guilty to murder of autistic woman in Aberdeen, Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center
- Justice for Kayla Hamilton: Admitted killer, MS-13 gang member gets 70 years, WMAR Baltimore
- Kayla Hamilton Act — H. Rept. 119-345, U.S. Congress