Bond sets half a million for a man accused of being involved in the killing of his cousin

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – One of the men accused of being involved in a fatal shooting over the weekend is accused of killing his cousin.

Edgar Martinez's family is devastated and crying in court today.

They say Martinez left Guatemala to escape violence and became a victim here in the United States.

Police found the body of 18-year-old Edgar Martinez on Saturday morning, just days before his 19th birthday.

According to investigators, his body was left in a blanket in Pope Park for 24 hours.

Upon further investigation, police learned that Martinez had been shot in an apartment on Magnolia Street.

Broadcaster Soto-Veliz, 21, was arrested and charged with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.

A 17-year-old was also arrested and charged with murder and tampering with evidence.

The family says the suspects and the victim are cousins.

Channel 3 heard outside court today from a family member who is devastated over how Edgar Martinez was killed.

“Edgar is a really good guy, a really good guy. I always remember him with a smile. I always remember that he was never angry. He's not a problem person,” said Brian Ortiz, Martinez's cousin.

A judge set Soto-veliz's bail at $500,000. He is due back in court on November 26th.

A GoFundMe page has been created for the victim, CLICK HERE.

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