Affidavit: Man’s selfie leads to his arrest in connection with deadly motorcycle crash

Orlando Martinez, 41, facing multiple charges

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police say a picture may not have been worth a thousand words, but it did provide clues about a deadly crash.

They arrested Orlando Martinez, 41, on several charges, including racing on a highway causing death and failure to stop and render aid.

An arrest affidavit said police identified Martinez as the man who was racing with another motorcyclist on SW Loop 410 near Palo Alto Road Monday night before they both lost control and crashed.

The other biker was killed.

deadly motorcycle crash image. (KSAT)

The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified him as Mario Garcia, 27.

Police said Martinez left the scene before officers arrived.

The affidavit said police identified Martinez after he sent a photo to a friend which offered some clues.

Police said after he ran from the scene, Martinez went to a hospital for treatment of his own injuries.

The affidavit said he sent a selfie showing his injuries to the friend, who then showed the picture to police.

With help from medical workers, investigators were able to identify clues in the photo, such as the hospital gown Martinez was wearing, and determine which hospital was treating him, the affidavit stated.

Martinez was booked into jail Tuesday night with bonds totaling more than $200,000.


About the Authors

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.

Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

Recommended Videos