Washington, DC was just shaken by the horrific murder of 35-year-old Wendy Karina Martinez, who was stabbed in the neck while she was out jogging on Tuesday night.
Martinez, who had just gotten engaged the week before, managed to reach a nearby store with her last strength, where guests immediately panicked upon seeing her state.
Some ran away, while others rushed to help her, although it was no use — she was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after.
The incident has left many in a state of shock, partly because it occurred in an area of town that was, until now, perceived as safe and relatively crime-free.
It is not clear what the motive of the assailant was, and whether he had any prior relationship with Martinez before her murder.
The alleged murderer is 23-year-old Anthony Marquell Crawford who was charged with first-degree murder on Thursday.
As can be expected though; there is no shortage of speculation about what might have provoked him to attack Martinez.
Surveillance footage from the area where she was attacked shows her jogging past a random passerby moments before the incident occurred, in a setting that seems completely normal and not at all indicative that something so horrific is about to go down.
Police have reportedly started to tighten security measures in the area.
D.C. Police Chief Peter Newsham said earlier today that based on what he knows the attack was probably unprovoked.
The suspect, who has a lengthy criminal history, is not cooperating with law enforcement at the moment.
Martinez’s family has put out the following statement: “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.”
Contrary to initial reports, there was no sign of robbery.
Close friends of slain jogger Wendy Martinez thank DC Mayor Bowser & Police Chief Newsham for a quick arrest in the case. 23 year old Anthony Crawford is charged with 2nd Degree Murder. Martinez was stabbed seven times at 11th & P Streets NW Tuesday night. #News4 @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/iYxYveqbbf
— Chris Gordon (@ChrisGordonNews) September 20, 2018
Ahhhh. Diversity.