A 52-year-old man from California admitted to killing 30 people according to CNN. Jose Martinez was brought in for questioning in connection with the March killing of Jose Ruiz, when he confessed to other crimes.
According to reports, authorities were able to connect Martinez to 13 "violent deaths" including a 2006 double murder in Ocala, Florida.
"Killing people doesn't seem to affect him," said Tim McWhorder, a captain at the Lawrence County sheriff's office.
Martinez credits his long list of victims to his role as an "enforcer for Mexican drug cartels." When an obligation is not fulfilled, Martinez was the man who enforced deadly consequences. It is unclear if he has provided authorities with the names of who gives him the orders.
"I'm the guy that pays you a visit if you don't pay," Martinez reportedly told investigators.
According to 12 News, the killing of Ruiz was not in connection to Mexican drug cartels. The two men were reportedly associates who had "some type of business arrangement." Ruiz allegedly "bad-mouthed the girlfriend of another man" but did not know the woman in question was Martinez's daughter. Without warning, Martinez killed Ruiz during a drive.
During the initial investigation of Ruiz's death, Martinez denied any involvement in the case. According to reports, investigators believed Martinez's daughter's boyfriend, Jamie Romero, was the attacker but after careful review of evidence and Romero claiming he was not with Ruiz at the time of his death, investigators concluded that Martinez's version of the truth, was a lie.
Martinez is being held without bail. He's been charged with felony murder for the death of Ruiz. Authorities are hoping to formally charge him in connection to other murders after a thorough investigation is complete.
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