An accused killer who was found hiding in Mexico after nearly three decades as a fugitive was order held in jail Tuesday.
Francisco Martinez was 25 when he allegedly stabbed his former girlfriend Patricia Boney to death in Buena on Feb. 25, 1994. Her four children were in the home, including an infant, according to information released in court.
Boney identified Martinez as her attacker, and later died at Cooper University Hospital.
Her stolen car was found at the Mexican border.
Martinez, now 52, was found in Mexico in October, where he was living with a long-term girlfriend, Judge Bernard DeLury said. He also has a 7-year-old child.
He has had domestic violence cases resulting in restraining orders, records indicate. But the alleged victim has always withdrawn them.
"This defendant is the very essence of a dangerous person and a flight risk," DeLury said.
Evidence includes the bloody knife used in the killing.
Martinez was listed as one of the state’s most wanted criminals, and was featured on an episode of "America's Most Wanted."
A Spanish interpreter translated the hearing for Martinez.
NOTE: The Atlantic County Justice Facility does not release mugshots under an order by the former prosecutor.
