Media, PA — The peaceful drive on Interstate 95 turned tragic last month when an unforeseen shooting claimed the life of 29-year-old Clinton Martin and subsequently led to the accidental death of Joshua Waltz, 33. In the wake of these horrific events, the families, still grappling with shock and grief, are urgently calling for public assistance to aid state police in solving the perplexing case.
On the night of Sept. 13, state troopers found a distressing scene on the northbound ramp to I-476 just before Exit 1 at MacDade Boulevard. Two vehicles were discovered blocking the right lanes: a blue 2010 Mazda 5, which Martin was driving, and a gray 2010 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Waltz, a resident of Odessa, Delaware. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene.
Originally believed to be a simple collision, the investigation quickly took a turn when authorities determined Martin had been shot in the neck through his driver’s side window, likely moments before the crash. This injury caused him to lose control of his vehicle, veer right, and collide with a concrete barrier. His car continued along the barrier for about a quarter-mile before striking Waltz, who had pulled over and was standing by his vehicle due to roadway debris.
Lt. Jonathan Sunderlin of Troop K Station highlighted that Martin, a Dollar General employee, was returning home from work that evening. Meanwhile, Waltz was heading to Northeast Philadelphia to visit a friend. The sudden and violent convergence of their paths has left both families and the community searching for answers.
During a press conference, Constance Newton, Martin’s grieving mother, expressed her profound desire for closure. “It’s been a month now. We just want to know what happened,” she stated. Alongside her were Martin’s stepfather, Fredrick Newton, and sister Clinita Martin. The family has made repeated pleas to the public for any information that might shed light on this senseless tragedy.
Investigators have managed to recover a projectile from Martin’s vehicle but are still piecing together the exact timeframe and location of the shooting. With no shell casings found at the scene, police theorize that the shots were fired from another vehicle.
The state police have ramped up efforts to gather evidence, asking anyone in the vicinity who might have dashcam or other video footage to come forward. “Many commercial vehicles carry such devices,” Sunderlin noted, adding that even seemingly insignificant details captured by these cameras might provide crucial leads.
Despite these efforts, the answers have been slow to come, leaving the families of both victims in agonizing uncertainty. “We haven’t heard anything. They said they’re still investigating. We just want to know,” Constance reiterated. The sorrow was palpable as she spoke about the voids left by the untimely deaths of both men, stressing that neither victim deserved such a fate.
In response to the ongoing mystery and the critical need for leads, troopers are offering a $10,000 reward for information that successfully resolves the case. Tips can be relayed to the Media barracks at 484-840-1000, through the toll-free number 1-800-4PA-TIPS, or via an online form available at p3tips.com.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that someone will come forward with information. Only then can the families of Clinton Martin and Joshua Waltz find the closure they desperately seek after this double tragedy that has left a profound impact on their lives and the larger community.