On July 26, 2024, a jury in Charles County found 22-year-old Marvin Ernesto Funez-Martinez guilty of second-degree murder for the killing of Marco Alexander Pulido-Castro, 24. This conviction follows a violent incident that occurred in the early hours of October 29, 2023, in White Plains, Maryland.
The crime occurred after Funez-Martinez hired Pulido-Castro to drive him and two others to a club in Washington, D.C. According to court documents, tensions arose during the return trip when Pulido-Castro requested additional money for gas, citing his vehicle’s overheating issues. This led to a heated argument between the two men.
Upon reaching Funez-Martinez’s residence, the dispute escalated. Pulido-Castro remained outside to inspect his car while Funez-Martinez, carrying a pocketknife, entered his home and retrieved a larger kitchen knife. He then attacked Pulido-Castro, who attempted to escape but was chased down and stabbed 59 times.
Witnesses quickly alerted authorities, leading to Funez-Martinez’s arrest behind his house. At the time of his arrest, police noted multiple cuts on his hands, which indicated the ferocity of the attack. During the investigation, Funez-Martinez confessed to the murder, and forensic evidence, including the victim’s blood found on his clothing and the murder weapon, further substantiated the charges against him.
The case has sparked discussions about violence prevention within the community, with residents calling for measures to prevent such acts in the future. As Funez-Martinez awaits sentencing, scheduled for October 23, 2024, these conversations continue to resonate.
Funez-Martinez faces up to 43 years in prison, marking a significant chapter in a case that has highlighted both the complexities of violent crime and the need for community resilience. The focus remains on ensuring justice is served, not only for Pulido-Castro and his family but also for a community working to heal from the impact of such a violent act.