Statement of Cora Martinez on the

tragic passing of Laken Riley

Washington, D.C. March 13, 2024 

On September 18, 2018, my daughter, Wendy Martinez, was brutally murdered when she went for a run after work. It was still daylight and the streets of Washington, D.C were bustling. Sadly, on February 22, 2024 another young woman, Laken Riley, was brutally murdered when she went for a run on her campus. 

Wendy and Laken did nothing wrong. Yet they lost their life. We MUST come together to first acknowledge and to address this social problem, as women and girls live in fear of being victims themselves. Change starts with seeing the agonizing pain of the victims’ families and standing with them in their loss. It ends when we find solutions to make women safer and free to exercise without fear. 

My heart goes out to Laken’s mother, her family, and friends. There is nothing more heart breaking than to lose a beautiful daughter to a senseless violent crime. I stand with you in solidarity and am deeply sorry for your loss. May the peace that surpasses all understanding be with your daughter, Laken Riley and you.

#RunforWendy

#RunforLaken