RivCo man accused of killing roommate with shovel; Family collects money

RIVERSIDE, CA – A man arrested earlier this month is accused of killing his roommate with a shovel and burying him in their Riverside backyard.

The family of the victim – 31-year-old Bradley Minder – is working to raise money in his honor.

“Bradley Minder’s life was taken far too soon. He passed away this week. He was such a sweet, loving soul,” family members wrote on their GoFundMe campaign, which has raised $4,850.

“Because his death was announced at such short notice, his mother, sisters, nieces and nephew are currently in Kansas and must travel to California,” the fundraiser said.

Police have accused 48-year-old Richard Thomas Martinez of killing Minder on Oct. 15.

Martinez was charged with murder and the felony charge of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Prison and is scheduled to appear for an arraignment on Nov. 4 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

According to the Riverside Police Department, Minder was found dead earlier this month after officers received reports on Oct. 17 that he had not been seen or heard from for several days.

During a police visit to his home in the 8700 block of Sylvan Drive, officers were told that one of the residents had just claimed he had killed his roommate, police said.

After a homicide and forensics unit was called, cadaver dogs found freshly disturbed soil in the backyard, where investigators then began digging. Human remains were discovered and identified as Minder by the Riverside Sheriff-Coroner's Office.

Martinez was arrested following the discovery.

According to documents filed in Riverside County, authorities believe Martinez and Minder were in the middle of an argument when Martinez picked up a deadly weapon – likely a shovel – and beat Minder to death, Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said .

According to court documents, Martinez faces up to life in prison if convicted. There are no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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