As a teenager in Puerto Rico, Colon-Martinez was convicted in a killing involving a firearm, the prosecutor said.
Eduardo Colon-MartinezSPRINGFIELD – Convicted of murder in Puerto Rico two decades ago and charged with another killing in Holyoke last year, Eduardo Colon-Martinez already has pile of legal troubles.
But a federal prosecutor added to them Monday, requesting that Colon-Martinez’s probation on a 2004 cocaine distribution charge be revoked as he prepares to stand trial for a fatal stabbing in Holyoke last year.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow told a federal magistrate that Colon-Martinez had moved to Holyoke after serving a four-year prison term in Puerto Rico for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
While still on parole for the drug conviction, Colon-Martinez was charged last year in the fatal stabbing of an 18-year old man on 188 Oak St., according to Breslow and court records.
In outlining Colon-Martinez’s criminal history, Breslow said he was convicted at 16 in a killing involving a firearm, and sentenced to 18 years for that crime; after his release, Colon-Martinez got involved in cocaine trade, leading his second prison term, the prosecutor said.
Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman delayed a decision on the case Monday, giving West Springfield defense lawyer Joseph A. Franco a week to decide whether his client will request a show cause hearing. Franco was given the case Monday, and said he needed time to review his client’s status.
Colon-Martinez is being held in state custody, pending trial July 11 on the Holyoke homicide. Holyoke police said Colon-Martinez went to the home of his former girlfriend on May 28, and stabbed her new boyfriend in the chest.
The victim was found bleeding and gasping for air, and Colon-Martinez was later arrested and charged with first degree murder.
Neiman continued the case until May 23.
Under federal guidelines, Colon-Martinez could be sentenced to three extra years for the parole violation, regardless of the outcome of the murder case.