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2 charged with murdering her teenage cousin after dumping his body near the highway

Two men have been charged with the gruesome murder of their 18-year-old cousin.

Just days before his 19th birthday, Edgar Josué Chiche Martínez was allegedly shot dead in the apartment he shared with his cousins. His body was found wrapped in a blanket and found on the side of Pope Park Highway in Hartford, Connecticut. Police believe he was left there for about a day.

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Now the victim's two cousins, aged 17 and 21, have been charged in connection with his murder. The 17-year-old cousin, who has not yet been named, was charged with murder and tampering with evidence. The 21-year-old cousin, broadcaster Soto-Veliz, was charged with obstruction of prosecution and tampering with evidence, according to NBC.

Martínez's other family members believe he was murdered for money and explain that he is not the type to get into trouble.

“He stayed away from parties, [he was] very friendly,” said his aunt, Verónica Imelda Martínez Mayen.

Martínez had just graduated from Hartford High School and was just days away from his 19th birthday when he was murdered by his own cousins. His parents currently live in Guatemala and his family plans to send his body to the country for burial.

According to Martínez's family, he was a kind-hearted, selfless person who did not deserve this fate.

“He was the person who always took care of me, even when he wasn’t feeling well,” said his sister Nimsa Martínez. “I will remember him as the most beautiful person I have ever met.”

Soto-Veliz is scheduled to be arraigned in court today. The juvenile will be referred to adult court.