Waco, Texas – A Texas teenager has received a lengthy prison sentence for his role in a deadly catfishing scheme that used a fake Facebook Messenger account to lure a young man into a fatal robbery. The case, which shocked McLennan County, has now resulted in convictions for all four individuals involved.
Teen Pleads Guilty in Catfish Killing Case
The final defendant, 18-year-old Cyle Flores, pleaded guilty to one count of murder on Thursday and was sentenced to 25 years in state prison for his role in the killing of 22-year-old Israel Martinez.
According to prosecutors, Flores and three accomplices—Jeremiah Marquez (18), Justin Angel Hernandez (22), and Edgar Alfonso Castillo (17)—participated in a calculated online deception that ended with Martinez being robbed, shot multiple times, and killed in 2021 at a residence on Gurley Avenue in Waco.
A Planned Social Media Trap
Prosecutors say the group specifically created a fake Facebook Messenger profile under the name “Kaelani Moore” to lure Martinez to a location under false pretenses. Believing he was communicating with a woman, Martinez arrived at the house late on Sept. 19, 2021, unaware he was being targeted.
McLennan County Assistant District Attorneys Kristi DeCluitt and Rebeckah Lawson described the plot as highly organized:
“They committed, along with one adult defendant, a calculated social media scheme to lure the victim to rob him, and ultimately, take his life. Such violence will not be tolerated in our community.”
Detectives later discovered that the fake account was traced back to Hernandez. An email address linked to the profile also matched Hernandez’s subscriber information, further confirming that the victim was being catfished.
How the Deadly Setup Unfolded
During the online conversation, Hernandez—pretending to be “Moore”—instructed Martinez to send money to a user labeled “Kaelani M.” Before the meeting, the victim was also told to look for a particular vehicle outside the house.
At 10 p.m., Martinez arrived at the residence and stood outside just moments before he was shot repeatedly by multiple firearms, investigators said. Shell casings at the scene indicated that shots came from inside the home, which the group had entered earlier through a broken back window.
Witnesses reported seeing several individuals fleeing the location immediately after the gunfire ended. Shortly after the killing, the fake Facebook account was deleted.
All Four Defendants Sentenced
Initially, all four individuals faced capital murder charges. However, prosecutors ultimately accepted plea deals from each defendant. While the three juvenile suspects were certified as adults, they were not eligible for the death penalty due to their ages during the crime.
Law enforcement believes that Hernandez and Marquez were the primary shooters, though all four shared equal responsibility under Texas law.
Sentences handed down include:
- Justin Angel Hernandez, 22 – 35 years
- Jeremiah Marquez, 18 – 35 years
- Edgar Alfonso Castillo, 17 – 30 years
- Cyle Flores, 18 – 25 years
Each defendant must serve at least 50% of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
Growing Concerns Over Online Luring Crimes
Catfishing—using a fake identity to deceive someone online—has escalated in recent years, fueling multiple violent incidents across the U.S. Authorities warn that social media platforms have increasingly become tools for criminals seeking to exploit or ambush unsuspecting victims.
Online safety experts advise users to:
- Avoid meeting unknown individuals in isolated areas
- Verify profiles through video calls
- Inform a friend or family member before meeting someone
- Trust instincts when conversations feel suspicious
Cases like Martinez’s highlight the urgent need for stronger awareness, especially among younger social media users.
Officials Reaffirm Commitment to Public Safety
Prosecutors underscored that violent crimes involving minors will continue to be aggressively pursued in McLennan County:
“Each conviction in this case highlights that gun violence will not be tolerated in our community, and our office will continue to target those who do harm, regardless of their age.”
Conclusion
With Flores’ sentencing, all four members of the group responsible for the 2021 catfishing murder have now been held accountable. The case serves as a grim reminder of how quickly online deception can lead to deadly consequences.
Have you ever encountered a suspicious or fake profile online? Share your experiences in the comments below.
