MOLINE, Ill. — Moline police have arrested a Davenport man in connection to a May 5 double homicide that left two teenagers dead.
Moline police conducted two search warrants Tuesday morning, leading to the arrest of 20-year-old Israel S. Martinez, of Davenport, for the murders of 17-year-old Giovanni Flores and 19-year-old Zachary Meincke. Martinez is charged with seven counts, including:
- Two counts of first-degree murder – Class M Felonies
- Two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm – Class X Felonies
- Two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm – Class 1 Felonies
- One count of obstructing justice – Class 4 Felony
Martinez is being held in the Scott County, Iowa Jail pending extradition to Illinois.
At 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Moline police executed two search warrants related to the investigation. The first search warrant was executed in the 2300 block of 3rd Street in East Moline. Another search warrant was executed in the 1600 block of W. 14th Street in Davenport. At the Davenport residence, Moline Police arrested Martinez.
Flores and Meincke were found dead in the basement of a residence in the 1800 block of 31st Street in Moline in the early morning of Sunday, May 5. Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson said both victims died from gunshot wounds.
Moline Police Chief Darren Gault held a press conference at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 to release news of the arrest.
“I am proud of all of our officers’ work in the relentless pursuit of justice in this senseless tragedy. There are countless numbers of officers to thank, but I’d also like to thank their families who understood the very long hours, weekends, sleepless nights, early mornings and missed time off while they pursued every lead to the end. This diligent and tireless dedication led to justice for the families of Giovanni Flores and Zachary Meincke. I’d like to especially recognize Det. Mike Griffin and Det. Brett Kopf along with Sgt. Dan Beaudry who led this investigation. Today doesn’t ease their pain in losing loved ones, but might give them a path to healing,” Chief Darren Gault said.
Police provided the following statements from the victims' families:
"The family of Giovanni Flores would like to thank everyone in the community for their support and dedication in bringing justice for Gio. We are grateful for every call, text, video and tip that assisted in this process. We would also like to thank the Moline Police Department for their tireless efforts in ensuring that this cruel act did not go unpunished. Our lives won’t ever be the same without Giovanni as his love and friendship spread to all who knew him and although we know our fight for justice is far from over, we are confident that our community will stand strong behind us for the sake of our children and families.
The family of Zachary Meincke also wanted to state that they are so grateful for the community support."
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