The trial for a 22-year-old cold case began today as Joseph Martinez faces charges in the 1999 killing of 13-year-old Minerliz Soriano. Martinez, arrested in 2021 after familial DNA linked him to the crime, is accused of murdering Soriano, whose body was found in a dumpster in Co-op City.

In court Thursday, the prosecution presented 16 pieces of evidence and two witnesses to try to convince the jury that Martinez is the right suspect beyond a reasonable doubt - a standard repeatedly emphasized by the judge.

Martinez sat in the courtroom, taking notes and occasionally folding his hands during the proceedings.

During opening statements, the prosecution argued that familial DNA and two drops of semen found on Soriano's sweater pointed to Martinez as the perpetrator. The defense countered, suggesting the two were neighbors and that the substance could have been mucus or cough particles, perhaps from sharing an elevator during flu season. They also pointed out that Soriano showed no signs of sexual assault.

The prosecution presented crime scene photos, case documents, and testimony from a maintenance worker who discovered Soriano’s body. The lead detective also took the stand to discuss the investigation.

The trial is set to reconvene next week.