A 39-year-old man in Utah kidnapped a woman and held her captive in his basement for several weeks where he allegedly tortured her and threatened that she had six months to “love him or be killed,” authorities say.
Ramone M. Martinez was arrested last week and charged with one count of first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping, five counts of third-degree felony aggravated assault, and one count of misdemeanor assault, Salt Lake City Fox affiliate KSTU
reported.
The investigation into Martinez reportedly began when the victim got hold of a phone and was able to send a lone text to a friend saying that she was being held captive and that her life was in danger. Her friend then contacted the Salt Lake City Police Department and filed a report.
“[The victim] had heavy bruising around both eyes and she stated her ribs were hurting and that she had difficulty breathing,” the affidavit reportedly said. “She stated that over a period of several weeks she was threatened to be killed and was assaulted. During this time she was unable to leave or go anywhere freely.”
Investigators spoke with the victim who reportedly said she had been held captive and consistently assaulted over the course of “several weeks.” She said she was assaulted six times just the previous day and been choked unconscious by Martinez at least twice. The suspect also allegedly carved the number “6” into the victim’s hand as a reminder that if she didn’t fall in love with him he would kill her.
“At another point in time (Martinez) grabbed the victim and held a knife to her throat. Again at another point in time, (Martinez) grabbed a knife and carved the number “6” into the victim’s left hand stating that she had six months to love him or be killed,” the affidavit reportedly said. “And lastly, at some point during the day, the victim stated (Martinez) grabbed a gun and pointed it at her head.”
lawandcrime.com
