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Update (12/17/18): The Washington Post released a feature article about Daniel Hincapie, who got engaged to Wendy Martinez just six days before she was senselessly murdered in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, September 18.
via The Washington Post:
His friends helped him think of ways to preserve Martinez’s legacy. For years, she’d discussed her dreams of wanting to help and empower women in both D.C. and Latin America. They would do whatever it took to keep her vision alive.
First, it was the establishment of the Wendy K. Martinez Scholarship fund at her alma mater, Florida Atlantic University. Partially funded by a GoFundMe set up in Martinez’s name, the scholarship will be awarded to Latina students in the Wilkes Honors College who demonstrate a commitment to social impact for Latin Americans or immigrants in the United States.
Later would come the Wendy Martinez Legacy Project, announced Nov. 13 by FiscalNote — a District-based tech startup where Martinez served as chief of staff. FiscalNote donated $500,000 and stock shares into the fund, which will go toward advancing women in the technology sector, women empowerment programs, and community-building through running.
Original article:
Anthony Crawford, 23, has been arrested and charged in connection to the stabbing death of 35-year-old Wendy Martinez. Crawford has been charged with first-degree murder.
Martinez, 35, was out for a run in the 1400 block of 11th Street Northwest when she was stabbed multiple times around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18. Police say Martinez did not previously know her attacker and believe it was a random, unprovoked attack.
Before succumbing to her injuries, Martinez entered the nearby “Asian American” Chinese restaurant where customers attempted to help her. While the manager called 911, Martinez died of her injuries a short time later. Martinez was an avid runner who lived in an upscale apartment just three blocks away from the scene of her death.
The suspect fled and left the murder weapon at the scene. Police believe Crawford was the only person involved in the assault.
Crawford’s motive remains unknown and police will investigate whether he had any substance abuse or mental health issues in the past. He was not immediately identified following his arrest.
Police say that homicide detectives found Crawford at a park on 14th and Girard street. They say he had a home in northwest D.C. and was not homeless. Furthermore, Crawford has a criminal history and did not cooperate with police.
Furthermore, police say that a combination of security camera footage and witness cooperation led to the quick arrest of Crawford.
Washington D.C. Chief of Police Peter Newsham announced the details of Crawford’s arrest outside of the Chinese restaurant where Martinez tried to get help.
Martinez, the chief of staff at the software and data company FiscalNote, had just gotten engaged a week before her murder.
Her family released the following statement about Martinez’s death on Wednesday, September 19:
“We are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy. Wendy Karina Martinez was the light of our lives. Not only was she an avid runner, but she was a devout Christian, a wonderful friend, and a driven professional. Everything you hope that a daughter and a friend could be.
She was also excited to be planning her upcoming wedding to her fiancé, Daniel Hincapie. They were engaged just last week. We ask that you respect our privacy as we grieve the passing of her beautiful soul and inform her friends and family of this terrible news. We also want to encourage the community to please contact the police with any information that may lead to finding justice for Wendy. The hotline number to call is 202-727-9099.
Simply put, Wendy was fearfully and wonderfully made! Now we know she has found the one whom her soul loved. (Song of Solomon 3:4)”
What Happened?
Anthony Crawford, 23, stabbed 35-year-old Wendy Martinez to death at Logan Square in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, September 18.
Crawford, who had a criminal record, lived in northwest Washington D.C.
Who Is Anthony Crawford?
23-year-old northwest Washington D.C. resident Anthony Crawford is the person who has been arrested and charged with the murder of Wendy Martinez. Police say that Crawford is not homeless and that he did not previously know Martinez.
While Crawford has a criminal record, police say there is no indication of violence in his past at this time.
