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Gilbert,SC (WACH)-A Lexington County man is accused by law enforcement of killing his wife

Jeffrey Adam Martinez, 31, was arrested by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in connection with the death of his estranged wife who died as a result of a fatal gunshot wound on May 24 at a home on Hayes Street, Gilbert.

Martinez is being held at the Lexington County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing on the murder charge, Sheriff James Metts said. Under South Carolina law, a circuit judge would have to conduct a bond hearing for Martinez because murder carries a punishment of life in prison. The 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office has not yet scheduled a bond hearing for Martinez on the
murder charge.

The arrest warrant said Martinez fatally shot his estranged wife, Ginger Anne Martinez, 31, of 3964 Augusta Highway, Gilbert, after Ginger came to the home on Hayes Street to take custody of their two children. An argument related to the custody of the children ensued, which escalated.

Jeffrey then shot Ginger in the upper torso and chin with a single, shotgun round. Jeffrey then dialed 9-1-1 and notified the operator that he had just shot and killed his wife, Metts said.

Deputies and Emergency Medical Service workers arrived on scene at which time Jeffrey provided a verbal confession to deputies, and was arrested without further incident.

Lexington County Coroner Harry Harman said Ginger Anne Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Martinez was booked at the Lexington County Detention Center at 9:51 p.m. on Thursday, May 24.

Department Spokesman Erik Murrah said they have no record of any previous disputes between the couple. The two children, ages five and nine, are with the Department of Social Services.