SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release
		Release #11-08-02 November 8, 2002 For Immediate Release
						Media Office 916-433-0808  Capt. Sam Somers Sgt. Justin Risley, PIO AA Audrey Lee PCIII Cheryl Moore Internet: www.sacpd.org

On October 23, 2002, the Sacramento Police Department was notified by a manager at World Savings Bank (1510 Arden Way) that he believed one of the bank’s customer’s account was being accessed illegally. The bank manager stated that several subjects were utilizing the customer’s checking account, writing checks in their own names and then cashing them.

Investigators conducted follow-up and revealed that the customer (victim) in question had not been seen since August of 2002.  The victim lived at 2235 Royal Road #1 with a roommate named Steven Otten (D.O.B. 07-08-67).  Further Investigation revealed that Frank Martinez (D.O.B. 01-25-71) who was an acquaintance of Otten, was one of the subjects who was forging the victim’s checks.  It was determined that Martinez lived at 2017 Ernest Way with his mother-in-law, wife and four kids.   Witnesses saw Martinez digging in the backyard in late summer.

On November 8, 2002, at approximately 1:00 p.m., investigators located a large plastic container in the backyard of 2017 Ernest Way which was covered by cement and dirt.  The container is believed to possibly contain the victim.  The Sacramento Coroner’s Office and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Crime Lab staff were called to the scene to assist in the excavation of the remains.  At this time the subject found has not been identified.

Sacramento Police Department investigators located suspect Frank Martinez at 2017 Ernest Way.  Martinez will be transported and incarcerated at the Sacramento County Main jail on charges of Murder, Grand Theft, and Forgery.  The Sacramento Police Department needs the public’s help in locating Steven Otten.  Otten is wanted for questioning  for his involvement in the murder of the victim.  Otten is known to be homeless and may be living under the bridge near Watt Avenue and American River Drive or staying in the College Greens area.

Suspect description: Steven Otten- white male adult, blonde hair, brown eyes, 35 years of age, 5'9", and165 lbs.

A copy of this release and photos of the suspects can be found at our web site at www.sacpd.org.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is requested to call Crime Alert at 443-HELP or 1-800-AA-CRIME.  Callers can remain anonymous and earn up to a $1,000 reward.

Sergeant Justin Risley
Ref #11-08-02