Gardnerville defendant in fatal fight sentenced to community service

MINDEN -- A Gardnerville man has received a sentence of probation and 500 community service hours for assault with bodily harm that led to the Jan. 20 death of Eddie Martinez.

According to investigators, Peters, 42, his nephew and another friend were at Sharkey's Casino around 3 a.m. that day when Peters saw Martinez, 41, kissing Peters' wife, Cindy.

Peters became angry and followed Martinez outside, where he punched the victim in the face, breaking his nose. Martinez fell and struck his head on the pavement.

He refused medical treatment and died about nine hours later. An autopsy showed he suffered a fractured skull.

Eddie Martinez III, Eddie's son, described his dad on Monday as a man with a huge heart.

"He was there for you," he said. "He liked to work hard and handle his responsibilities. I'm gonna stay strong. It's in my blood."

Martinez' dad concluded statements by saying: "It was a blow that was meant to hurt somebody. He hurt more than my son. He hurt the whole family ... I hope you know what to do."

Members of the Martinez family were in court, as well as supporters of Peters. Presiding Douglas County District Judge Michael Gibbons received about 70 letters in support of Peters.

Gibbons said statements from both families describe both men as loving and giving.