FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KILLEEN, TX – December 18, 2024 – Michael and Associates, a criminal defense law firm based in Austin, Texas, is pleased to announce that it has taken on the representation of Demetrius Jones, who has been charged with murder in connection with the 2021 shooting death of Francine Martinez, a Fort Hood soldier who was shot outside a Killeen nightclub.
The case, which has drawn significant public and media attention, marks another high-profile client for the firm, which is known for its commitment to justice and rigorous defense strategies.
Jones has been in custody in the Bell County Jail since Nov 15, 2024, when he was charged with murder. His bail has been set at $1 million. He has maintained his innocence since the investigation began more than three years ago.
“We understand the gravity of the allegations against our client and the profound impact this case has had on the Fort [Hood] community and beyond,” said Ben Michael, founding partner for Michael and Associates. “However, Mr. Jones remains adamant that he was not present at the time of the incident and that the real shooter is using him as a scapegoat in an attempt to establish reasonable doubt.”
Jones is represented by Senior Trial Attorney Andromeda Vega Rubio.
Police said Sgt. Martinez, a soldier stationed at Fort Hood (which has since been renamed Fort Cavazos), died from a bullet wound to the head after an altercation at a nightclub in Killeen. The shooting occurred on Sept. 4, 2021, and she was hospitalized for two weeks before her death.
Cpl. Nakealon Keunte Mosley, 24, the father of Sgt. Martinez’s child, was arrested and charged with murder in 2021, according to the Killeen Police Department.
Mosley and Jones were roommates at the time the shooting occurred.
Police say Sgt. Martinez and Cpl. Mosley ran into each other on Sept. 4, 2021 at a nightclub, where a fight ensued. Cpl. Mosley’s arrest warrant stated that he followed Sgt. Martinez after they left the club, and subsequently shot her in the head. Mosley was arrested on Sept. 5, 2021.
However, Mosley maintains that Mr. Jones was actually the person who was driving the car and fired the weapon, killing Sgt. Martinez. Mr. Jones has repeatedly stated that he was not present at the time the shooting occurred.
After the shooting, witnesses told police that Martinez and Mosley had previously dated and had a child together. After they saw each other at the nightclub, Mosley followed Martinez outside, where they argued in the parking lot, according to court documents.
In the days before the shooting, Martinez had filed a petition to establish paternity for the couple’s child, according to Bell County court records.
Michael and Associates is no stranger to high-stakes cases. With a track record of successful outcomes, the Austin-based criminal defense firm, which has offices across Texas, has established itself as a zealous advocate for individuals facing serious criminal charges. Its legal team combines deep expertise with a compassionate understanding of the challenges clients face in the judicial system.
“We will ensure that Mr. Jones receives a fair trial and that his constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process,” Michael said.
While the firm respects the sensitivity of this case, it is committed to transparency and professionalism. As such, Michael and Associates will provide updates on the case as appropriate while safeguarding client confidentiality and respecting the ongoing judicial proceedings.
About Michael and Associates: Michael and Associates is a premier criminal defense law firm based in Austin, Texas. The firm specializes in defending clients in a range of legal matters, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, with a commitment to excellence, integrity, and justice.
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Rebecca Stumpf manages content research and editing for Michael & Associates. She is an award-winning journalist with 30+ years of experience working for daily newspapers. Her work has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Business Insider and DallasNews.com.
Rebecca Stumpf manages content research and editing for Michael & Associates. She is an award-winning journalist with 30+ years of experience working for daily newspapers. Her work has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Business Insider and DallasNews.com.