BILLINGS, MT – A 15-year-old boy has been apprehended and is suspected of negligent homicide in connection with the shooting of 12-year-old Andy Paul Beartusk Martinez. The incident occurred last month, according to a recent statement by the Billings police.
Lt. Matt Lennick revealed that the unnamed teenager is also facing a charge concerning tampering with or fabrication of evidence. The teen was taken to Youth Services following his arrest. It is uncertain at this point if he will face charges as an adult.
The body of Martinez was found on March 15 in a shed located on Terry Avenue. He suffered from a fatal gunshot wound and had been reported missing since March 7.
An additional teenager, a 13-year-old boy, was arrested on charges of tampering with evidence last month. Lt. Lennick confirmed that the boy faced arraignment on Thursday for two counts of evidence tampering and obstructing a peace officer.
In March, a ‘person of interest’, a 19-year-old, was identified by the police in connection with the case. However, Lt. Lennick did not provide an update on this individual during his Thursday briefing. The names of all the teenagers involved in the case have yet to be disclosed due to their minor status.