Philly Homicide episode 6, titled When the Music Died, features the murder of a popular DJ in Philadelphia. The episode, aired on December 7, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Oxygen True Crime, unravels the story of Alberto Martino who was found dead in 1989 in the car park of a local radio station.
A routine probe into the crime reveals a plot involving familial betrayal, rivalry, and deceit, as detectives work to uncover the truth.
The case in Philly Homicide episode 6 examines Alberto's personal and professional life, focusing on relationships and the connections that contributed to his murder. As evidence is presented, motives and a series of premeditated actions come to light.
Background of Philly Homicide episode 6
Philly Homicide is a crime series about the murder investigation in Philadelphia. The series of crime episodes follows real cases in which investigations, crucial evidence, and how crimes were solved. In Philly Homicide episode 6, When the Music Died, one can witness detectives' determination as they assemble a puzzling case around Alberto Martino's murder.
About the crime
On the night of September 6, 1989, Alberto Martino, a popular DJ at WIBF Radio Station, finished his shift and car trouble in the parking lot. At 11:30 PM, a reverend arriving at the station found Alberto's body lying near his stalled vehicle. The car hood was open, and the keys were still in the ignition.
Alberto had been brutalized and shot in the back. A hollow-point bullet lodged in his body was found later during autopsy. At first, the detectives thought it was a robbery attack as Alberto was attending to his car. However, a closer look at the vehicle indicated that the brake lines and wires had been cut. This indicated that foul play was involved.
Investigation
Detectives uncovered complex motives rooted in Alberto's personal life. He was involved with Lydia Mendez whose family did not approve of the relationship. Lydia had received threatening letters that required her to end the relationship just days before the murder. The investigators were later able to trace these letters to Lydia's cousin, Miguel Alvarez, who harbored romantic feelings for her.
The witnesses provided crucial leads: there were reports of two suspicious men near the radio station just before the murder. They pointed out Roberto Alvarez, Lydia's brother, and Miguel Alvarez as suspects. Evidence mounted against the duo: fingerprints on one of the threatening letters matched Miguel, and bullets found at their residence matched the one used in the murder.
Roberto confessed to their involvement, revealing that Miguel assaulted Alberto with a rod, and Roberto delivered the fatal gunshot. Their motive stemmed from Miguel’s unrequited feelings for Lydia and their collective disapproval of her relationship with Alberto.
Resolution
Roberto and Miguel Alvarez were charged with first-degree murder. Despite refusing to confess initially, substantial evidence—including threatening letters, witness testimony, and Roberto's eventual confession—led to their conviction.
Both were convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Roberto is currently incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution – Mercer, while Miguel serves his sentence at the State Correctional Institution – Laurel Highlands.
Aftermath
Alberto Martino's murder deeply impacted the Philadelphia community. Remembered for his personality and passion for music, his untimely death underscored the consequences of jealousy and familial conflict, leaving a lasting impression on those following the case.
The case proved to law enforcement that with careful investigation and perseverance, justice was served for Alberto and his grieving family. Dedication by the detectives made sure justice reigned.
Philly Homicide episode 6, titled When the Music Died, reflects on Alberto Martino's life while delving into the motives behind his murder. Philly Homicide episode 6 offers a detailed narrative of the investigation and pursuit of justice. To see it all, tune in to Philly Homicide episode 6 on December 7, 2024.