Father and Son Charged in Shocking Colorado Murder of Mother Over Custody Dispute

In a disturbing and tragic turn of events, a 17-year-old boy, Havon Martinez, and his father, 43-year-old Charles Martinez, have been arrested and charged in connection with the brutal murder of Havon’s mother, 38-year-old Crystal Snow. The case, which unfolded in Colorado, allegedly stemmed from a custody dispute between Snow and her estranged partner, Charles Martinez, over the couple’s younger child.

The shocking details of the crime were revealed following a month-long investigation. According to the arrest affidavit obtained by Law & Crime, the incident took place in the early hours of July 2nd, when police responded to a 911 call from Crystal Snow’s phone. The operator could only hear agonized breathing on the other end, and upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered Snow’s lifeless body in the bathroom of her master bedroom. She had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including to her upper arm, chest, and leg.

Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots about 10 minutes before the 911 call, with one witness noting a vehicle leaving the scene, its passenger side door open, suggesting that more than one person was involved. Authorities later confirmed that Snow had been ambushed inside her home, with one gunshot fired from outside the residence, followed by a confrontation in the bathroom where Snow was shot multiple times. A .40 caliber pistol was believed to have been used in the murder, although it remains unclear which of the two men fired the fatal rounds.

Investigators quickly focused on Charles and Havon Martinez as primary suspects. The breakthrough came from witnesses who revealed a crucial conversation that took place just hours before the murder. According to the affidavit, Charles had tried to convince Crystal not to pursue full custody of their other child, Havon’s younger brother. Snow had planned to file legal paperwork the next day in an attempt to gain sole custody, a decision that reportedly angered both Charles and Havon, who were aware of her intentions.

Additionally, authorities discovered a troubling history of domestic violence between Crystal and Charles, as well as escalating aggression from their son, Havon. Crystal had filed a protective order against Charles and had reported threats from both men in the past. In one instance, she told a victim’s advocate that Havon had physically assaulted her and threatened her life. Charles was also known to have threatened Crystal, saying he would come in the middle of the night to kill her, a threat that made her fear for her life.

The investigation revealed even more troubling evidence linking the father and son duo to the crime. Surveillance footage showed a white Ford Explorer—believed to have been driven by Charles, with Havon as the passenger—traveling on roads near the scene of the murder. Notably, the vehicle had no license plates, and video evidence suggested that both Charles and Havon had taken steps to conceal the car’s identity, such as removing or covering the plates.

Further, a welfare check on the family’s residence revealed injuries to Charles’s hand, with authorities noting fresh cuts and swelling. Investigators also found blood on the exterior doorknob of Snow’s home, suggesting that one of the suspects may have been injured during the shooting.

The case has raised several questions about motive, with many pointing to the custody battle as the driving force behind the murder. Charles and Havon Martinez were reportedly upset over Snow’s decision to seek full custody of the child, and it appears that both men were willing to go to extreme lengths to prevent this from happening.

During the advisement hearings, both Charles and Havon were formally charged with first-degree murder, among other offenses. As the investigation continues, legal experts suggest that while Havon may have a more favorable defense due to his age, his involvement in the crime and the evidence against him leave little room for doubt regarding his role in the murder.

The case has left the small town of Archuleta County, Colorado, reeling, as residents grapple with the devastating realization that a father and son are accused of such a heinous act. With chilling evidence mounting against them, the community and the legal system will now seek justice for Crystal Snow, a mother whose life was tragically cut short by those she trusted the most.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the case serves as a tragic reminder of the dangerous consequences that can arise from unresolved family disputes and the devastating impact of domestic violence.