Suspect arrested after 16-year-old boy found shot to death outside Lawrenceville home

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - Police have made an arrest in the murder of a 16-year-old boy found shot to death in a Lawrenceville neighborhood Wednesday afternoon.

The Gwinnett County Police Department says 16-year-old Jose Daniel Martinez's family reported him missing after he did not return home Tuesday night and told police that the teen's possible last known location was a home on the 600 block of Paden Mill Trail.

Officers responding to the scene found Martinzez's body in the backyard, The 16-year-old had been shot.

Neighbors say they heard gunshots the night before. 

 "She ran to mom's room, and she wanted to sleep with her," said Leo Nino. 

Neighbors also said no one lives in the home where the teen’s body was found. 

After canvassing the area, police say that they develop leads that lead to the arrest of a suspect, identified as 20-year-old Dennis Calzadilla, of Lilburn.

Calzadilla has been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in connection with the shooting. He remains in the Gwinnett County jail without bond.

Dennis Calzadilla, 20, of Lilburn (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office).

"Detectives were following up on leads they developed in the area, and they were able to determine that the suspect was at the location with the victim," said Cpl. Ryan Winderweedle with Gwinnett County Police.

Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from something gang-related.

"When you associate with potential gang members, when you associate with drug use, those kinds of activities and risk factors are likely to increase the chance that you could become a victim of violence," Cpl. Winderweedle said.

This marks the third missing Hispanic teen found dead in the county in the last month. Last month, the Hispanic United Alliance held a protest calling for better policing in Hispanic communities. 

Protestors believe 16-year-old Susanna Morales' missing persons case and the death of 17-year-old Rodrigo Mayan Floriano were mishandled by police.

In response to growing criticism, the Gwinnett County Police Department said: "As a department, we are committed to serving our community through the delivery of professional law enforcement services in an unbiased and compassionate manner."

Alliance co-founder Tannia Zarate says when police use labels like 'gang-related' they need to provide more details.

"Just as a community, we want to know if there are gang-related issues," she said. "I think they need to let us know so we can try to change or be a part of it."

Police have not yet released a motive in Martinez's killing.

Police say the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Calzadilla will have his first appearance before a judge Friday or Saturday.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at 770-513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).