New Charges in Case of ‘Blown Up' Body Found July 4 in Hamden

One of five people arrested in connection with the murder of a West Haven man whose body was found "blown up" on the Fourth of July is facing new charges.

Natali Martinez-Sanchez, 29, was arrested again Wednesday and charged with second-degree hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence.

U.S. Attorney Dierdre Daly previously identified Martinez-Sanchez as the girlfriend of the alleged gunman, Christopher Miller.

Authorities said Miller shot his housemate Edward Brooks and dumped his body in the woods off Wintergreen Avenue in Hamden. Police said they an improvised explosive device was detonated beneath Brooks' body.

Martinez-Sanchez has also been charged by federal authorities with conspiring to distribute crack cocaine and methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

She was first charged by the state on July 13 with second-degree hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence.

Martinez-Sanchez was arraigned on the latest charges Wednesday and remains in custody. It's not clear if she has an attorney.

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