Arrested for the murder of teenager Edgar Martínez in Connecticut

Two young men have been charged with the murder of their teenage cousin after his body was found wrapped in a blanket on the side of a Connecticut highway on Saturday – just days before his 19th birthday.

According to police, Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez was dumped on the side of Pope Park Highway in Hartford after he was shot in the apartment he shared with his cousins, NBC Connecticut reported.

The teen's 17-year-old male cousin was charged with murder and tampering with evidence, while another cousin, 21-year-old broadcaster Soto-Veliz, was charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence.

Authorities determined that Martínez was fatally shot in the apartment they shared on Saturday, about 24 hours before his body was found wrapped in a blanket on the side of the road, WTNH reported.

Martínez's family told NBC they believe the murder was motivated by money.

His aunt, Verónica Imelda Martínez Mayen, said her nephew wasn't the type to get into trouble.

“He stayed away from parties, [he was] very friendly,” she said.

Martínez, who graduated from Hartford High School last spring, would have turned 19 on Thursday.

His aunt said the family knew something was wrong when he didn't show up for work on Thursday and Friday, while his sister described him as a caring person, a hard worker and a great big brother.

“I will remember him as the most beautiful person I have ever met,” said his sister Nimsa Martínez.

Martínez's parents live in Guatemala. His family in Connecticut hopes to send his body there for burial.

Police said Soto-Veliz, who is being held on $500,000 bond, will be arraigned in court Wednesday morning and the accused minor will be transferred to adult court.