A Panhandle man was sentenced to life in prison without parole after an investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) revealed he set a house fire to cover up the murder of a 4-year-old girl, according to a March 12 announcement.
Humberto Martinez pleaded guilty to capital murder on March 4 for strangling Hope Raley. The Perryton Fire Department discovered Raley while extinguishing a house fire in Ochiltree County in 2022. A medical examination confirmed she died from strangulation before the fire began.
Martinez was found hiding in a crawl space under the house and was identified as the last person seen with Raley. After being treated for smoke inhalation, Martinez confessed to the Texas Ranger.
The Perryton Police Department requested that SFMO investigate the origin and cause of the fire. The SFMO determined that Martinez intentionally started the fire using a lighter and combustibles in an attempt to conceal his crime.
“Investigations like this demonstrate the critical role the SFMO plays in uncovering the facts behind suspicious fires,” said State Fire Marshal Debra Knight. “Our team’s work helped reveal the truth in a complex and tragic case, bringing justice and closure to the victim’s family.”
Ochiltree County Attorney Jose N. Meraz said, “SFMO’s investigation was critical in the discovery that this matter was more complex than a simple house fire.”
The SFMO is part of the Texas Department of Insurance. Suspected arson can be reported to SFMO at 800-578-4677.
