Arrest in Runner's death at Logan Circle

An arrest occurred as a result of the shooting death of a 35-year-old woman who was attacked while she was running in D.C.'s Logan Circle neighborhood.

Wendy Martinez, from northwestern Washington, was in the 1400 block of 11th Street NW when she was stabbed several times just before 8 pm. Tuesday. The suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested on Wednesday night, sources told News4.

City Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Peter Newsham were scheduled to report to a press conference Thursday morning to discuss the case.

After being stabbed, Martinez staggered in a nearby restaurant. She collapsed shortly thereafter.

The restaurant manager said he heard someone scream and see Martinez covered in blood.

"I was scared, I do not know what happened and I'm just trying to call the police," said the director, who asked not to be identified.

Strangers rushed to the woman's side to help him, and the manager called 911. Martinez died of his injuries shortly afterwards.

Police released a surveillance video Wednesday afternoon showing the suspect walking along 11th Street NW. Images from another camera show him walking with a knife in his hand.

The knife used during the stab wounds was found nearby.

Chief of Police Peter Newsham said the police did not have a motive yet, but the "disturbing" attack was probably random.

Police initially said it was looking up to three men in connection with the stabbing attack, but at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Newsham said the investigators thought she had been attacked by one man.

Martinez was a passionate runner who lived in an upscale apartment just three blocks away.

She and her boyfriend became engaged last week, her family said in a statement.

Wendy Karina Martinez was the light of our lives.Not only was she a passionate runner, but she was a devoted Christian, a wonderful friend and a committed professional.All you hope that a girl and a friend could be ", his family said Wednesday. "She was also excited to plan her next wedding with her fiancé, Daniel Hincapie, who were engaged last week."

"Simply put, Wendy has been terribly and wonderfully well done! Now, we know that she found the one that her soul loved." (Song of Solomon 3: 4), "the statement said.

Martinez's family requested respect for their privacy while they were crying and asking anyone with information about his murder to contact the police.

Martinez was chief of staff of the software and data company FiscalNote.

"The entire FiscalNote family is shocked and deeply saddened to hear that Wendy Martinez, our chief of staff, was killed last night," the company said in a tweet Wednesday afternoon. "Wendy was an invaluable member of our team and a dynamic member of the community, and our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy's family and friends."

Martinez was a graduate of the University of Florida and Georgetown University. She previously worked for the Organization of American States and the Inter-American Development Bank, according to her LinkedIn page.

The crime rate in the area near Logan Circle is relatively low and few violent crimes have been reported. A number of upscale homes and trendy restaurants are located near the crime scene.

The attack left other joggers in the area stunned.

"As a runner, it's pretty terrifying – you might think running in lighted streets, you'd be safe, but it's mind-boggling," said one woman.

Another woman who jogged in the area brought flowers to the crime scene Wednesday morning, telling News4 that the victim could easily have been.