LA PLATA, MD—After a 10-day trial, a Charles County jury has convicted Marvin Ernesto Funez-Martinez, 22, of second-degree murder and weapon charges in the brutal death of Marco Alexander Pulido-Castro.
The incident, which took place in the early hours of October 29, 2023, began when police were called to a White Plains residence following reports of an assault and stabbing. They discovered Pulido-Castro unresponsive and in the fetal position, hidden in the trunk of a Nissan Sentra, with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed a grim series of events leading up to the murder. Funez-Martinez, along with Pulido-Castro and two others, had visited a club in Washington, D.C. After their return, a dispute arose over additional payment for gas, which Pulido-Castro requested at a gas station stop. Despite his vehicle overheating, Pulido-Castro managed to drive back to White Plains.
The argument escalated upon their arrival. Funez-Martinez entered his residence and armed himself with a larger knife from the kitchen, despite already carrying a pocketknife. As Pulido-Castro was examining his overheating car, Funez-Martinez attacked him, stabbing him repeatedly. Despite attempts to escape, Pulido-Castro was pursued across the street and stabbed a total of 59 times, leading to severe injuries including multiple lost teeth.
Funez-Martinez then dragged the victim’s body to his vehicle, placing it in the trunk before fleeing. He was quickly located and apprehended by police, who found him with cuts on his hands and the victim’s blood on his clothing and the murder weapon.
During the police investigation, Funez-Martinez admitted to the killing. His sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2024, where he faces up to 43 years in prison.
