High school student accused of murder is a member of MS-13 gang.

A MS-13 gang member, who was at the center of a murder investigation, was allowed to enroll in a Maryland high school despite authorities' failure to inform the administration of the suspect's status.

Walter Martinez, a 16-year-old MS-13 gang member who was the primary suspect in the July 2022 murder of Kayla Hamilton, attended Edgewood High School in Harford County, Maryland, without the district being informed of his status as a suspect in the case, according to a report from Baltimore's Fox 45.

"Hamilton's mother, Tammy Nobles, shared with Project Baltimore that when she tells her son's story from start to finish, people are amazed. She responds, "It's a crazy story, but it's true. It's the worst pain a parent can ever feel.""

Nobles stated that she was discovered with a cord around her neck and mouth, and she was left on the floor as if she were trash.

A Salvadoran native who was in the U.S. illegally was identified as the main suspect and was detained by police after surveillance video and an audio recording placed the gang member at the scene of the crime.

Nobles stated, "They recognized his guilt, but they simply required the DNA evidence to confirm it."

The investigation into Martinez's DNA took six months, during which he was allowed to enroll at school without any agency warning administrators.

"Nobles exclaimed, "This makes me furious! You're putting a monster in high school with other people's kids, and you're endangering children. Just look at what he did to Kayla.""

In March 2022, Martinez entered the U.S. illegally through Texas as an unaccompanied minor, being apprehended by Border Patrol and eventually sent to Maryland to live with a sponsor, according to the report.

Four months after the incident, Martinez relocated to a mobile home in Aberdeen where he was charged with the murder of Hamilton.

In August 2024, Martinez was sentenced to 70 years in jail after pleading guilty to murder, which was confirmed by DNA results that came back in January 2023.

The report states that under Maryland law, Martinez was permitted to attend school prior to being charged with murder, and there was no obligation for authorities to inform the district of his status. Nonetheless, Nobles argues that they should have done so.

"Nobles inquired, "Why did you enroll him in a public school? I need to know the reasoning behind this," while emphasizing the need for someone to be held responsible."

"Nobles suggested changing the laws so that suspects of felonies cannot attend school with other children. They have virtual school and computers."

Harford County Public Schools stated that they have no evidence suggesting the individual was a threat to students and staff. HCPS does not have the right to access all information held by law enforcement regarding potential students who may be dangerous, gang-affiliated, or accused of heinous crimes.

Virginia resident Nobles, who lives with Hamilton's younger brother and sister, is speaking out to raise awareness about her daughter's story.

"Nobles stated, "I want to ensure that no one else experiences the same fear and loss that she did. It is crucial for people to understand the truth and the consequences of her death. Her sacrifice should not be in vain.""

The Aberdeen Police Department declined to provide a comment when contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital.