Subject of Mesquite Amber Alert sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder

A woman who set up a Mesquite man she met online for a robbery that led to his murder has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Arturo Pena died in 2023. His body was found in a car in a Garland park after his family had reported him missing.

While some justice has been served in his case, there's still one suspect out there whose exact whereabouts are still unknown.

Online connection turns deadly

The backstory:

In 2023, Pena met 17-year-old Natalie Navarro on social media.

The two later met at Audubon Park in Garland for what Pena thought was a date, but he did not know Navarro brought her boyfriend, Yordy Martínez, to rob him. 

During the robbery, Pena was shot and killed allegedly by Martinez.

Timeline:

Not knowing exactly what happened, his family reported the 21-year-old missing on Aug. 27, 2023, and even hired a private investigator. 

Online tips pointed to Navarro and Martinez as the ones responsible for his disappearance. 

Pena’s family called Mesquite police when they spotted the couple. Cell phone video shows officers apprehending Martinez. 

However, Navarro and Martinez were released, citing a lack of evidence. One of them was given an unspecified citation.

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Subject of AMBER Alert now indicted on capital murder charge in Garland killing

A 17-year-old girl who was the subject of an AMBER Alert has now been indicted on a capital murder charge. Investigators believe she set up a meeting with 21-year-old Arturo Pena and planned to rob him.

The next day, Garland police found Pena’s body in his car at the park while Navarro and Martinez were on the run. 

An Amber Alert was issued for Navarro after her family reported her missing on Aug. 31, 2023. Investigators say it was a possible attempt to confuse investigators.

Navarro was found the next day near the Mexico border and brought back to Dallas County.

This month, Navarro was sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder.

The search for Yordy Martínez continues

What's next:

Garland police have a capital murder warrant out for Martinez’s arrest but have not been able to find him. 

The U.S. Marshals are helping in the search since they believe he likely fled to Mexico.

Navarro is currently in the Dallas County jail but will eventually be transferred to a prison. 

Pena's family responds

What they're saying:

Lizbeth Pena says she viewed her cousin as a big brother.

"I try not to think about it too much because it angers us," she said.

Lizbeth and her family are hopeful Martinez will be captured and answer for their loved one’s death. Until then, they find solace knowing that the woman who set Pena up is headed to prison.

"I’m at peace knowing that it will be taken care of," she said.

The Source: Information in this article comes from court records, arrest affidavits, interviews with family members and previous FOX 4 coverage.

GarlandMesquiteCrime and Public Safety