The case for the kidnapping of dentist Julio Amílcar Martínez Murillo becomes relevant again, in the middle of a hearing where the Public Ministry (MP) has begun to present new evidence.
During the intermediate stage hearing, which resumed on May 4 in the High Risk Court B, prosecutors have focused part of their argument on reconstructing the logistics of the crime. According to the research, at least three vehicles participated in the tracking and interception by Martínez Murillo the day of his disappearance.
Among the elements presented, stand out frames and records that link the accused with the vehicles that were supposedly used to carry out the kidnapping.
The case has also been marked by the defense strategy, since those involved sought to have the crime modified as illegal detention, with the aim of avoiding being prosecuted for plagiarism or kidnapping. This request had been rejected by the family, who maintain that the payment of a ransom confirms the nature of the crime.
Judge Eduardo Orozco declared that request without merit on April 21, and the process continued.
Almost a year after the events, the professional’s whereabouts remain unknown.
While the judicial process progresses, the new details exposed in the hearing return to the planning phase of the kidnapping and the role that a person close to the victim would have had.
Chronology of the case
Disappearance of the dentist (May 28, 2025)
According to the MP’s investigation, on May 28, 2025, Martínez Murillo left his residence in Fraijanes heading to a shopping center located in the kilometer 21.7 of the route to El Salvador.
The investigations establish that, after making purchases, The dentist was followed by at least three vehiclesa sequence that was recorded on video surveillance cameras.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., he was intercepted at kilometer 36, at the entrance to the village. The Jocotillowhere he was held against his will. Hours later, his vehicle was abandoned at kilometer 17 of the same route.
That morning, while speaking on the phone with his secretary, communication was abruptly interrupted when a man began yelling at him and forced him to drive, in what would be the last known contact with the victim.
Ransom demand (May 28, 2025)
That same night, the family received a call in which the kidnapping was confirmed and a payment of Q5 million was demanded in exchange for his release.
From that moment on, negotiations began that lasted for several days, during which the captors allowed the victim to be heard as proof of life.
Negotiations and contact with the victim (May 29 to June 5, 2025)
The investigations identified Carlos Antonio González y González as the negotiator, who used multiple telephone lines to communicate with the family.
Finally, a payment of Q763 thousand was agreed, which was delivered on June 5, 2025 at a gas station located at the end of Hincapié Avenue, in zone 13 of the capital.
Delivery of the money and escape of those involved (June 5, 2025)
There, a man with a motorcycle helmet received the money and fled with two other accomplices in a vehicle.
Subsequently, the authorities identified those allegedly responsible for the collection as Juan Ubaldo Tzun Castillo, Juan Oswaldo Tzun Hernández and Paola Isabel Díaz Ramírez.
Cessation of communication and disappearance (June 2025)
Despite the ransom payment, Martínez Murillo was not released. After several days in which there was still communication, on the ninth day the calls and messages stopped, and since then his whereabouts have been unknown.
Captures after raids (August 29 and 30, 2025)
The case was reported to the National Civil Police and the Public Ministry, which gave rise to an investigation that yielded results three months later.
On August 29 and 30, 2025, raids were carried out that allowed the capture of five people accused of being part of the criminal structure.
Prosecuted for plagiarism or kidnapping (September 2, 2025)
Among those arrested is Julio Leonardo Alejandro Girón Castañedaidentified as the alleged ringleader, in addition to Carlos Antonio González y González, Juan Ubaldo Tzun Castillo, Juan Oswaldo Tzun Hernández and Paola Isabel Díaz Ramírez. Meanwhile, Anelsy Adeli Quiñónez Corado remains a fugitive.
Progress of the process in the intermediate stage (2025–2026)
On September 2, 2025, the five captured were linked to criminal proceedings for the crime of plagiarism or kidnapping. Since then, the case has advanced to the intermediate stage, where the evidence that will be brought to trial is currently being discussed.
New evidence at hearing (April 28 and May 4, 2026)
According to the investigation, Girón Castañeda not only participated in the execution of the kidnapping, but also had a close relationship with the victim. According to testimonies from family members, he was considered one of his best friends, which would have made it easier to follow his routines and movements.
Now, with the presentation of evidence about the vehicles used in the crime, the Prosecutor’s Office seeks to reinforce the hypothesis of structured planning.
The hearing continues while the case remains without an answer about the fate of Martínez Murillo, whose disappearance keeps his family in uncertainty.