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‘Jupiter Joe’ Convicted in 1999 Murder of 13‑Year‑Old After Familial DNA Breakthrough

Joseph Martinez, known as "Jupiter Joe," was convicted on Nov. 14 in the 1999 murder of 13‑year‑old Minerliz "Minnie" Soriano after familial DNA linked him to the case. Soriano, a straight‑A student who dreamed of becoming an astronaut, was found four days after she disappeared. Investigators used a partial DNA match to Martinez’s deceased father and a later DNA sample from a discarded straw to secure the conviction. Martinez will be sentenced on Jan. 8, 2026.

06:04 AM, 11/29/2025Society
‘Jupiter Joe’ Convicted in 1999 Murder of 13‑Year‑Old After Familial DNA Breakthrough

Joseph Martinez, widely known in his Bronx neighborhood as "Jupiter Joe," has been convicted in the 1999 killing of 13‑year‑old Minerliz "Minnie" Soriano after investigators linked him to the crime using familial DNA and later direct DNA evidence.

Martinez, who gave informal, free astronomy lessons to children and adults in the apartment building where Soriano lived, was found guilty on Nov. 14. Prosecutors say he sexually abused Soriano and compressed her neck, causing her death.

Soriano, a straight‑A middle‑school student who dreamed of becoming an astronaut, was last seen leaving school on Feb. 24, 1999. Four days later, her body was discovered in a garbage bag inside a dumpster behind a Bronx video store roughly two miles from her home.

How the case was solved

The case went cold for decades. Recent advances in forensic testing produced a partial DNA match between material recovered from Soriano’s sweater and the profile of Martinez’s deceased father. Investigators then followed Martinez and covertly collected a discarded straw at a diner; DNA from that straw matched evidence from the crime scene and helped secure the conviction.

Authorities say this was the first time New York City used familial DNA testing — a method that searches offender databases for close relatives of an unknown perpetrator — to identify a suspect in a murder case.

Community impact and reaction

"She dreamed of one day becoming an astronaut," said Kimberly Ortiz, Soriano’s best friend, recalling Minnie’s hopeful spirit. "We used to tease her about it — but she wanted it."

Retired NYPD homicide detective Malcolm Reiman, who worked on the case, described Soriano as a latchkey child who often did homework in her building's lobby and sold candy door to door to help the family. Reiman said many residents had contact with the girl and suspected a predator was among them.

Reiman said the conviction offers a measure of closure for investigators and the community after a long, painful investigation. Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8, 2026.

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