Father, Son Found Dead in Orange Home

The bodies of a father and son who had each grappled with ongoing medical problems were discovered in their home Wednesday morning. Police said they believe both died in recent days of natural causes.

Autopsies are scheduled today for Tony Agapito Martinez, 80, and his son, Gregory Felix Martinez, 41. Preliminary evidence suggests that the son died about 10 days ago and his father died within the past week, according to Orange Police Lt. Art Romo.

The son, a machinist, was a diabetic who had been ill recently but still cared for his father, Romo said. It was not clear Wednesday whether the father was unable to call for help, Romo said.

After the younger Martinez failed to report to work for several days, a co-worker visited the home in the 800 block of East Rose Avenue and called police when she noticed his car parked out front and an over-stuffed mailbox.

The elder Martinez, who used a wheelchair, was found in a back room, while his son’s body was discovered in the living room, according to Det. Mike Harper. He said there was a possibility that the father was not aware of the son’s death, but he declined to elaborate.