The unsolved murders of Lance Corporal Larry Martens and Lance Corporal Rodney “Rocky” Padilla have haunted the community for over four decades. Found brutally murdered on September 7, 1980, these cases are now being revisited with the aid of modern DNA technology, offering a glimmer of hope for justice.
A recent episode of the true crime podcast APB Cold Case delves into these mysterious killings. Hosted by Mark Spawn, a former law enforcement officer, and his wife Jeanna, the podcast retraces the events leading to the deaths of these Marines stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. The episode, titled “The K-Bay Killings,” explores the circumstances surrounding the tragic night they were found beaten and shot near Maunalua Bay Beach Park.
The podcast provides a vivid portrayal of Oahu during the late 1970s and early 1980s, examining the intricate dynamics between the military personnel and local communities. It seeks to shed light on the unanswered questions surrounding the deaths of Martens and Padilla, aiming to reignite public interest in the case.
Mark Spawn expressed the podcast’s mission: “For us at APB Cold Case, we seek out cases like the ‘K-Bay Killings’ to tell the story of decades-old investigations that need to be told in order to bring renewed attention from the listening public in hope of leveraging the lead needed by police to solve the case.” The podcast includes interviews with detectives and family members, aiming to breathe new life into the investigation.
NCIS Remains ‘Committed’ to Justice
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has reopened the case, utilizing advanced forensic methods to uncover the truth. NCIS spokesperson Meredith March stated, “NCIS has worked tirelessly throughout this investigation, actively pursuing all leads and incorporating advanced and emerging investigative technologies to uncover the facts surrounding the tragic deaths of Lance Cpls. Larry Martens and Rodney Padilla.” Despite thorough investigations by the Honolulu Police in 1980, no suspects have been identified.
Former Marine Sergeant Dan Boatman, a friend of Martens, recalled the last time he saw him alive: “It was a Saturday night, and he was looking for somebody to go out in town with… that’s the last time I ever saw him alive,” he told APB.
The timeline suggests the murders occurred around 2 a.m., with a short window after the Marines left their base. Despite their wallets being intact and the car not stolen, no gunshots were reported. NCIS Special Agent James Curry believes that someone has crucial information: “We know there was a witness,” he said. “Even if that witness is no longer with us, they probably told their family, their, their child or somebody who would now be of an adult age.”
We need that person to come forward. – NCIS Special Agent James Curry
Joe Padilla, Rocky’s brother and a retired law enforcement officer, has been a staunch advocate for reinvestigating the case. He hopes for progress while his elderly mother is still able to see justice served. “I’d like to see some movement while she can still appreciate it,” he told ABP. “We just want to know what happened.”
Mark Spawn’s involvement in the case began through a connection with Joe Padilla, highlighting the challenges of solving cold cases, including fading memories and deteriorating evidence. However, advances in forensic science, particularly DNA, offer new avenues for investigation.
$10,000 Reward
The military is encouraging anyone with information to come forward, with NCIS offering a $10,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest and conviction. Tips can be submitted by calling CrimeStoppers Hawaii at (808) 955-8300 or by visiting NCIS.navy.mil.
