Tampa man accused of stalking, attacking woman sentenced to life in prison
TAMPA, Fla. - A trail of evidence led to the conviction of defendant Julio Martinez-Santana last December in the stalking and attack of a Tampa woman.
Five months after his conviction, he was back in a Tampa courtroom where he was sentenced to life in prison. During his hearing, he proclaimed his innocence.
"I was wrongfully convicted, because my counsel failed to cross-examine the alleged victim on her critical testimony," Martinez-Santana said.
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Prosecutor Amanda Kotula reminded the court that he is a repeat offender who was on parole when he committed this offense. She urged the judge to give him life in prison.
"He’s also a dangerous and very violent man," argued Kotula.
In December 2022, a jury found Martinez-Santana guilty on all charges including, aggravated stalking and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
During the trial, Ashley Anderson testified she met Martinez-Santana at a job training class, and the two became friendly. However, things took an ugly turn after Anderson refused to date him.
She said Martinez-Santana became angry and obsessed with her. Anderson said that obsession, nearly turned deadly on Aug. 1, 2019. She explained that Martinez-Santana came out of the shadows and attacked her outside her home.
"He hit me so hard in the back of the head that I rolled inside my house, he just gets on top of me and puts his hands on my throat," she said.
According to Anderson, Martinez-Santana had armed himself with a knife.
"I was scared I had to find someway to get him off of me. He told me I would never see my son again," she recalled.
During the struggle Anderson said she was able to knock him off of her, forcing him out of the house.
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Months after Martinez-Santana's conviction, Tampa Judge Michael Williams weighed in with a hefty sentence.
"On count one of armed burglary of a dwelling with assault and battery I will sentence you to life in prison," ruled Williams.
Martinez-Santana will take his last breath behind bars.