On May 5, 2024 at approximately 4:35am, the Moline Police Department responded to a 911 call of an unknown problem at a residence in the 1800 block 31st Street, Moline. Officers arrived and made entry to the residence. Inside the basement, police located two males. Giovanni Flores, 17 and Zachary Meincke, 19, both of Moline, deceased from gunshot wounds.
At 5:30am this morning, the Moline Police Department executed two search warrants related to this investigation. One search warrant was executed in the 2300 block of 3rd Street in East Moline.
Another search warrant was executed in the 1600 block of W. 14th Street in Davenport, Iowa. Both residences were connected to each other and in the same lead the Moline Police Department was pursuing in connection with this case.
At the Davenport residence, the Moline Police Department arrested Israel S. Martinez, 20 y/o, of Davenport for the murders of Flores and Meincke. Martinez is charged with seven counts including:
• 2 Cts First Degree Murder – Class M Felonies
• 2 Cts Aggravated Battery with a Firearm – Class X Felonies
• 2 Cts Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm – Class 1 Felonies
• 1 Cts Obstructing Justice – Class 4 Felony
Martinez is being held in the Scott County, Iowa Jail pending extradition to Illinois.
“I am proud of all of our officers’ work in the relentless pursuit of justice in this senseless tragedy.
There are countless numbers of officers to thank, but I’d also like to thank their families who understood the very long hours, weekends, sleepless nights, early mornings and missed time off while they pursued every lead to the end. This diligent and tireless dedication led to justice for the families of Giovanni Flores and Zachery Meincke. I’d like to especially recognize Det. Mike Griffin and Det. Brett Kopf along with Sgt. Dan Beaudry who led this investigation. Today doesn’t ease their pain in losing loved ones, but might give them a path to healing,” said Chief Darren Gault.
“Although it is not a moment for rejoicing, it is a moment of relief for our impacted families and friends and for our community. We are thankful for the diligent work of the Moline Police Department to bring us to this point. This is a moment where we can all examine how we can prevent senseless violence and bring our community closer together,” said Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati.
The family of Giovanni Flores would like to thank everyone in the community for their support and dedication in bringing justice for Gio. “We are grateful for every call, text, video and tip that assisted in this process. We would also like to thank the Moline Police Department for their tireless efforts in ensuring that this cruel act did not go unpunished. Our lives won’t ever be the same without Giovanni as his love and friendship spread to all who knew him and although we know our fight for justice is far from over, we are confident that our community will stand strong behind us for the sake of our children and families.” said a statement by the Rios family.
The family of Zachary Meincke also wanted to state that they are so grateful for the community support.
Facebook Comments