Man turns himself in for death of Eddie Martinez

The man allegedly responsible for the Jan. 19 death of 41-year-old Edward "Eddie" Martinez turned himself in to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office on Monday.

Gardnerville resident Daniel Lee Peters is charged with manslaughter and battery with substantial bodily harm, both felonies. He was released on $10,000 bail by about 7 p.m.

Peters, 42, is accused of striking Martinez in the face with his fist, breaking his nose, and fracturing his skull after Martinez fell to the ground on the sidewalk along Highway 395 near Sharkey's Casino parking lot.

Martinez, 41, died at Washoe Medical Center nearly eight hours after the fight.

Martinez' mother, Sandra, said her son lost nearly six pints of blood, but died peacefully.

His alleged attacker faces up to 20 years in prison for manslaughter and one to five years and a $10,000 fine for battery with substantial bodily harm. He also is charged with involuntary manslaughter, punishable by up to four years in prison and up to a $5,000 fine.

By charging him with both manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter, "the District Attorney's Office covers all the potential options," said sheriff's Lt. Mike Biaggini. "If it goes in front of a jury, they would decide (whether it is voluntary or involuntary manslaughter) after hearing all the testimony."

A memorial service conducted Saturday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Manteca, Calif., brought Martinez's family and friends together.

"I'd say approximately 300 to 340 people attended (the service)," said a family friend, who requested anonymity. "It was a touchingly beautiful service. Needless to say, it was very, very, sad and heartbreaking."

Martinez split time between Manteca, where his brother, Andre, lives, and Gardnerville, where his parents live.

Peters' arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 19.