No charges have been filed weeks after Giovanni Martinez Jr. was killed.
CHICAGO — The family of 24-year-old Giovanni Martinez Jr. is demanding answers after he was fatally stabbed May 19 in Norwood Park and a person detained by police was later released without charges.
Martinez died after an attack in the 6000 block of North Harlem Avenue. His girlfriend, Priscilla Moreno, said she saw the stabbing and held him as he suffered severe wounds. Police said the case remains open, while prosecutors said the evidence presented so far does not support charges.
Moreno said the attack began when someone appeared near a window before the door opened and Martinez was attacked with a knife. She said Martinez was wounded in the neck and tried to show those around him that he needed help. Martinez suffered multiple stab wounds and later died from his injuries.
Chicago police took a person into custody the night of the stabbing and initially said charges were pending. Weeks later, no charges had been filed. Records from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Martinez’s death a homicide, but that ruling alone does not decide whether prosecutors can bring a criminal case.
Martinez’s father said he believes the attack was planned. He said a warning text was sent before the encounter, including the words, “Don’t do anything stupid.” He also said a knife, witnesses and statements were available to investigators, and he questioned why the case has not moved forward in court.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said charging decisions must be based on facts, admissible evidence and the law. Prosecutors said they reviewed the information from police and found the evidence insufficient at this time, but they remain open to reviewing new or additional evidence from law enforcement.
Family members described Martinez as a young man with plans for the future. His father said Martinez had dreamed of opening his own detail shop and body shop. Now, he said, the family is focused on his memory and on the push for accountability. “I want justice,” his father said.
Chicago police say the investigation is ongoing. No next court date has been set because no charges have been filed.
Author note: Last updated June 12, 2026.