Ganado man charged with murder

    On Saturday, July 23 at approximately 10:45 a.m. the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers, and Jackson County Precinct 2 Constable Curt Gabrysch went to investigate a homicide. When they arrived, they found a woman who they declared deceased on scene.

    Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Darren Stancik ordered an autopsy of the deceased individual, and the body was transported to the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office.

    Jackson County Chief Deputy Craig Kirkpatrick verified earlier that day, Leonardo Baez Martinez, 53, of Ganado, walked into the lobby of the Jackson County Jail and confessed to killing his wife, Augustina Corpus Baez, 50, of Ganado.

    Before admitting to the murder, Martinez had caused a scene. He walked into the jail, covered in blood from a self-inflicted wound to his throat, which was still gushing blood.

    Jackson County Sheriff Kelly Janica said Martinez came to the jail to surrender for killing his wife. When the authorities arrived at the scene, a home off HWY 172 in Ganado, Corpus was already dead.

    Kirkpatrick confirmed Corpus died of strangulation. Janica previously stated officials were present during the on-scene autopsy and strangulation was determined as the cause of death, although the coroner’s report is not yet completed.

    Martinez was first taken to the hospital where he was treated for his slashed throat, and then released to Jackson County where he was placed in jail on a murder charge.

    A $750,000 surety bond was issued for Martinez.

    “The investigation is still ongoing,” Kirkpatrick stated.