Man's confession shocks west side

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Police said an active member of a Buffalo church spent the past 11 years living with a dark secret and has now confessed to a murder dating back more than a decade.

More than 11 years ago he killed a man in cold blood, according to Buffalo Cold Case detectives.

It was a crime that shocked Grant Street neighbors.

Intruders had broken through the kitchen door of Alex Martinez's house and while Alex was taking a bath, shot him twice in front of his girlfriend and their four month old son.

One reporter asked, "Do you all have any idea why someone would do this?"

Alex Martinez's Brother-in-Law shakes his head, no.

Almost 12 years later, Jose Figueroa, an active member of a Buffalo church, husband, and father of four young children, has confessed to the murder.

Det. Brian Ross of the Buffalo Cold Case Squad explained that his confession, "Was very forthcoming, very quick. He showed remorse, accepted his responsibility for his actions."

The Martinez family has found some relief knowing who killed Alex.

Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown stated, "We're very pleased to provide some closure to the family that's been dealing with the death of their loved one for all of these years."

Cold case detectives had received information on the murder about a year ago but tips within the past couple of weeks gave them enough information to approach Jose Figueroa.

But there are still suspects at large.

Buffalo Police Commissioner, McCarthy Gipson said, "We think that the information we have available to us, with continued questioning of him and also with just other involvement from citizens that will come forward, we think that we will able to find the other people that are responsible for this."

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