A Texas court has sentenced Jose Orbin Martinez-Lopez to life in prison for sexually assaulting two young girls and attempting to murder them in 2020, following a horrific attack where he slashed their throats and set their house on fire.
A Texas court sentenced a 46-year-old Honduran migrant, Jose Orbin Martinez-Lopez, to life in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting two young girls and attempting to murder them in 2020, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday.
Martinez-Lopez was convicted of sexually assaulting the two girls, aged 11 and 12, and later breaking into their home in September 2020 to try to kill them. According to the announcement, he slashed one of the girl's throats with a box cutter, locked both girls in a room, and then set the house on fire before fleeing the scene.
Fortunately, first responders were able to rescue the girls, who survived the ordeal. "We have to protect our community, our children, from monsters like this," said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. "Not only did he sexually assault two little girls, but he also tried to kill them and burn their house down to cover his tracks. He is a predator."
Investigators with the Houston Police Department learned that Martinez-Lopez knew the victims' family and had broken into the home after the girls revealed the abuse to their relatives. Authorities reported that Martinez-Lopez planned to flee to Honduras but missed his flight. He was apprehended while attempting to board another flight out of Houston.
Denise Nichols, head of the District Attorney’s Crimes Against Children Division, remarked, "In my 24 years as a prosecutor, this was one of the worst cases I’ve ever encountered. The bravery these girls showed in telling their story and seeking justice is truly remarkable."
Although Martinez-Lopez cannot appeal his conviction, he will be eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years in prison, according to the announcement.
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