On the evening of February 2, 1992 the victim Richard Martin was walking westbound on the north sidewalk of 4500 University Avenue. Two black male juveniles walking down Chamoune Avenue turned westbound onto University Avenue so that they were walking directly behind Martin. Witnesses saw the young men pass Martin, and then saw one of the men turn and punch Martin in the face and yell, "You shouldn't have messed with us." The witnesses did not see Martin say or do anything to provoke the attack. The punch to the face caused Martin to fall and hit his head on the pavement, subsequently causing his death.

The suspects were described as follows: the male who punched Martin was described as a black male, 16-17 yrs. old, 5'11" tall with a thin build and short dark hair, wearing a dark jacket with red trim. The second male was described as a black male, 16-17 yrs. old, 5'1" tall with a thin build and neck length braided hair, wearing a dark watch cap, black sweater, and back pants.