Defendant Marvin Palencia, in photo from Metro Police
Murder defendant Marvin Palencia believed he had evidence that a former co-worker was romantically involved with his estranged wife when he shot and killed the man in the Constitution Avenue office building that they shared, charging documents against Palencia allege.
Jacobo Vazquez’ body was found Tuesday Nov. 16 in a box alongside westbound I-70 in Maryland. According to court documents, Vazquez is believed to have been killed the day he went missing, Nov. 11.
A witness interviewed by police said Palenica had recently read a text message on his wife’s cell phone that confirmed she and Vazquez were having an affair. The witness said Palencia “had a lot of anger inside of him over the affair, and that he contemplated hurting himself and/or [Vazquez],” according to the affidavit.
Palencia, who was charged with Vazquez’ death on Monday, waived his Fifth Amendment rights in an interview with police and admitted to shooting Vazquez, wrapping his body in plastic wrap and duct tape, placing it in a box, and dumping that box along the roadway.
Charging documents and link follow:
Arrest made after body found in box
Washington Post: Crime Scene | Nov 21, 2010
Quote: Vazquez, of the 1100 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW, worked in building maintenance with Palencia, who became the focus of a police search after the body was discovered. Police said he was arrested “without incident” in Hyattsville about 3:30 p.m. Saturday and charged with first-degree murder.
Arrest Made In Slaying Of Man Found In Box
Associated Press | Nov 21, 2010
Quote: Police say 34-year-old Marvin Palencia was arrested without incident Saturday afternoon in Hyattsville, where he lives. He’s been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of 36-year-old Jacobo Vazquez of Washington.
Arrest in Case of Body Found in Box
NBC Washington | Nov 22, 2010
Quote: Marvin Palencia, 34, was arrested around 3:30 p.m. in Hyattsville, Md. He is charged with the murder of 36-year-old Jacoba Vazquez.
