Riverside County man accused of killing roommate, burying body pleads not guilty

The Riverside County man who allegedly killed his roommate and buried his body in their backyard pleaded not guilty to charges on Monday. 

Officers were called to the 8700 block of Sylvan Drive, in the Arlanza neighborhood, on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at around 7:45 p.m. after receiving reports of a resident who had "not been seen or heard from in several days," according to a statement from the Riverside Police Department.

"During their initial investigation, officers learned that one of the occupants had made statements claiming he killed his roommate," the statement said. "That occupant was detained, and a search of the property revealed a possible crime scene in the backyard."

Homicide detectives were called to the scene, along with specialists with the department's Forensics Unit, the statement said. 

Cadaver canines were "alerted" to an area of freshly disturbed soil in the backyard and upon digging detectives found human remains. 

Officials with the Riverside Sheriff-Coroner's Office responded to the scene to complete the recovery of the body from the "makeshift grave," the statement said. They identified the victim as 31-year-old Bradley Minder. 

The suspect, who has since been identified as 48-year-old Richard Thomas Martinez, was booked for murder and is being held without bail. On Monday, he pleaded not guilty to murder and other offenses, officers said. 

Minder's mother told CBS News Los Angeles that he was living with his uncle at the home when Martinez was also allowed to move in. She also said that the suspect was arrested just days prior to the murder for assaulting Minder's uncle but had been released. 

In a written statement, Minder's family said in part, "Bradley Minder was the gentlest soul to ever walk this earth. He was a kind friend and a deeply loyal soon, brother and uncle. His family meant more to him than anything in the world. He forgave easily and treated everyone with pure, unadulterated love, and he was a natural protector with a heart of gold."

It's unclear when Martinez is scheduled to make his next court appearance. 

Anyone who may know more is asked to contact RPD at (951) 353-7213.