It was confirmed that a key figure in the murder case of journalist Orlando Martínez was arrested last Saturday in New York City and that the Dominican Government has formally requested his extradition. Mariano Durán, a former Dominican Air Force corporal, is accused of being the trigger man in the March 17, 1975 shooting of Orlando Martínez, an outspoken critic of the then-government of Dr. Joaquín Balaguer. The Martínez case recently had its initial hearing and was due to proceed to a second hearing next Monday. The case has brought subpoenas of a number of famous figures, including Dr. Balaguer and several retired generals. It is thought that the judge overseeing the case may now further postpone proceeding with the case until the extradition request for Durán is processed, which may take up to a year. Durán was arrested in the Bronx, where he reportedly has lived for several years and where he owns a liquor store.
