Press Release
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at Wappinger has arrested Thomas E. Martinez, 41, of Wappingers Falls, NY, following a long-term homicide investigation.
On November 9, 2020, at approximately 6:09 p.m., troopers were dispatched by Dutchess County 911 to a residence on Creekview Court in the Village of Wappingers Falls for a report of an unconscious 10-month-old child. The child was transported by EMS to Vassar Brothers Medical Center, where they were pronounced deceased. An autopsy conducted by the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be acute fentanyl intoxication.
Following an extensive five-year investigation, conducted in conjunction with the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, the child’s father, Martinez, who was responsible for the child’s care at the time of the incident, has been arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, a class E felony.
On December 2, 2025, Martinez was arraigned before the Village of Wappingers Falls Court and is scheduled to reappear on January 6, 2026.
The New York State Police would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office and the Dutchess County Medical Examiner’s Office throughout the course of this investigation.
Contact Troop K Public Information Officer: Trooper Krystal P. Paolicelli
Troop K Commander:
Major Mark A. Nielson
Contact us by phone:
Troop K Office 845-677-7430
Contact us by email:
Map Directions:
New York State Police Troop K Headquarters
Salt point NY, 12578