The tragedy of Andy Martinez: Missing Montana boy, 12, found dead as 19-yr-old person of interest arrested

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

BILLINGS, MONTANA: The Billings police have found the remains of a 12-year-old boy who had been reported missing on March 7. The boy's body was found inside an outbuilding after a search warrant was acquired for a dwelling on the 900 block of Terry Avenue on March 15, Friday. 

Billings police arrested a 19-year-old "person of interest" in relation to the suspected homicide of Andy Paul Beartusk Martinez. Cops have also taken into custody another 13-year-old on suspicion of tampering with evidence, KTVQ reports.

Cops arrest suspects in Andy Martinez's death

After cops found the body of Andy Paul Beartusk Martinez, Lieutenant Matt Lennick stated in a news release that they were investigating the suspicious death of the boy. Although Martinez was not identified in the release, family members later confirmed his identity. 

Following this grim discovery, police made two arrests involving two teenagers, one considered a person of interest and the other for tampering with evidence.  The teen suspect has not yet been charged, while the other teenager has been charged and placed in the custody of Youth Services.

Andy Martinez was believed to have run away from home 

During the search for the missing boy, Andy Martinez, family and friends gathered at Central Park in Billings on Wednesday, March 13, hoping to uncover clues that might help in locating the 12-year-old boy.

Andy Martinez was last seen on February 21, as per KRTV. Billings police initially claimed that Martinez may have run away from home and could be in the Billings area or on the Crow reservation. 

Martinez' sister Laila Kade Beartusk claimed, “I’m very hopeful. I just hope he’s out there. If he’s scared, it’s okay to come back home, Andy. We want you home, Andy. And if you’re that someone hiding him or you know something and you’re not speaking up, you should because we’re worried,” 

The family urged residents in the area to review their security footage from February 21 for any potential leads.