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- calendar_today October 10, 2026
Mother Appears in Court Following Amber Alert Incident
Mari Martinez appeared before a judge at the Washington County Courthouse in Hillsboro on Friday, days after she was accused of taking her 3-year-old son without authorization and sparking a multi-state amber alert. The events unfolded after a custody hearing with her ex-husband earlier in the week.
Timeline of Events: Custody Dispute Leads to Amber Alert
According to police and court records, Martinez took her son from a babysitter on Tuesday after the custody hearing. The following day, authorities issued an amber alert as concerns grew over the child's safety and whereabouts. The child was found unharmed on Thursday at a friend’s house, and Martinez was arrested later that day in Lake Oswego.
Charges Filed Against Martinez
Martinez faces several charges, including second-degree custodial interference, second-degree child neglect, and reckless endangerment. During Friday’s court arraignment, prosecutors detailed the nature of these charges. They allege that Martinez endangered her son on September 29 by engaging in unspecified reckless conduct, resulting in the reckless endangerment charge.
Details of Alleged Neglect and Abuse
One of the incidents cited in court involves Martinez allegedly leaving her 3-year-old child unattended near a hot tub for an unsafe period. Surveillance video reportedly captured the child struggling in the water, becoming fully submerged multiple times and flailing to breathe. Prosecutors claim Martinez did not immediately intervene, even after noticing the situation. This conduct resulted in the child neglect charge and played a role in the court’s decision to temporarily grant custody to the boy’s father, citing ‘immediate danger.’
Release Conditions and Ongoing Proceedings
After posting $50,000 bail, Martinez was released from custody under strict conditions. She must remain on house arrest, wear a GPS monitoring device, and is prohibited from having contact with her son until her next court appearance, scheduled for October 16. The custody dispute between Martinez and her ex-husband is ongoing, as the court weighs concerns over parental rights and child safety.
Separate Child Abuse Allegations
In a separate custody battle involving another ex-husband, Ryan Reeves, prosecutors allege that Martinez strangled her 12-year-old daughter and threatened to kill her. These child abuse allegations are also being considered as authorities further investigate her background and parental fitness.
Looking Ahead
The case against Martinez continues to develop, with her next court date set for the following week. The court will review the charges of maternal child abduction, child neglect, reckless endangerment, and custodial interference, as well as possible broader implications for her parental rights in the ongoing disputes.
Source: koin.com.
