FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The story of an 8-month-old girl who was the subject of an Amber Alert is entwined with a history of domestic violence involving her parents, court records show. Arys Maria Martinez and Jacob Alexander Howard, both 34 years old, have a history of violent incidents dating back to early in their relationship.
The couple’s history of domestic violence became public in April 2022 when Howard was arrested for domestic battery after allegedly choking Martinez during an argument. Martinez later sought an injunction for protection against domestic violence, detailing multiple instances of abuse, including being strangled, slashed with glass, and held at gunpoint.
Howard pleaded no contest to two felonies related to the incident and was placed on probation. Despite this, further incidents occurred, leading to a 2023 arrest for false imprisonment, aggravated assault, and multiple counts of domestic battery. Martinez sought another restraining order, citing her fear for the safety of their daughter.
However, both Martinez’s requests for a permanent injunction were dismissed when she failed to appear at the hearings. Howard’s probation was violated due to the 2023 arrest, but it was ultimately decided that he was not a danger to the community and was allowed to continue on probation. The state also declined to prosecute Howard on the criminal charges stemming from the 2023 arrest. The couple’s tumultuous history raises concerns about the safety and well-being of their infant daughter, Amelia Rose Martinez.
The repeated dismissal of Martinez’s requests for protection, despite substantial evidence of abuse, highlights potential shortcomings in the legal system’s response to domestic violence cases. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by victims of domestic abuse in seeking legal protection. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the probation system in addressing and preventing recidivism in domestic violence cases.