KEENE, NH (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — UPDATE 2/13/25: The two individuals arrested in connection to the New Hampshire woman whose remains were found in Warwick, are being held without bail following their arraignments in 8th Circuit Court in Keene, New Hampshire yesterday. Neither 42 year-old Andrea Martin nor 32 year-old Christian Torruellas of Keene, New Hampshire have entered pleas in regards to the several charges including human trafficking, kidnapping among others.
Two people have been arrested in the missing person case that led to the discovery of the remains of 31 year-old Justine Steffy of Keene, New Hampshire, in Warwick, Mass last October. 42 year-old Andrea Martin and 32 year-old Christian Torruellas were arrested on human trafficking charges.
From the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office:
Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella and Keene Police Chief Steven M. Stewart announce that arrests have been made in connection with the investigation into the death of Justina Steffy (age 31), whose body was recovered in Warwick, Massachusetts, on October 23, 2024.
Investigators determined that Justina Steffy died inside a residence in Keene, New Hampshire, on October 13, 2024, as a result of a fatal drug overdose. Ms. Steffy’s dead body was later removed from the residence and disposed in Warwick. Investigators discovered the body on October 23, and an autopsy conducted by the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Ms. Steffy’s death to be a homicide (injected with narcotics by other(s)), with the cause of her death being the combined toxic effects of fentanyl, 4-ANPP, and xylazine.
“Today’s arrests are a significant development in the investigation into the tragic death of Justina Steffy. I want to make it clear that New Hampshire takes allegations of human trafficking very seriously,” said Attorney General Formella. “We are committed to pursuing justice and holding accountable those who exploit vulnerable individuals. Our thoughts are with Ms. Steffy’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and we urge anyone with information to come forward.”
As a result of the investigation into the circumstances of Justina Steffy’s death, arrest warrants were obtained charging Andrea Martin (age 42) with dispensing a controlled drug with death resulting in violation of RSA 318-B:26, IX. It is alleged that Andrea Martin, in concert with and aided by another, knowingly sold, or dispensed to Justina Steffy a controlled drug, said substance containing fentanyl (a schedule II classified controlled drug), and Justina Steffy died as a result of the injection or ingestion of that substance. Andrea Martin is also charged with one count of falsifying physical evidence in violation of RSA 641:6, I, in connection with the removal of Justina Steffy’s body from Keene and subsequent disposal in Massachusetts.
In addition, as a result of the investigation into the circumstances leading to Justina Steffy’s death, Andrea Martin and Christian Torruellas (age 32) have been charged with additional crimes. Both have been charged with kidnapping, in violation of RSA 633:1, I. That crime alleges that Martin and Torruellas, from about October 1 to about October 17, 2024, acting in concert with and aided by each other, knowingly confined an adult female under their control with a purpose to terrorize that person and/or others. Martin is also charged with another kidnapping count, alleging that from about October 10 to about October 13, 2024, she acted in concert with and was aided by another to knowingly confine Justina Steffy under her control with a purpose to terrorize Steffy and/or others.
Lastly, Andrea Martin and Christian Torruellas have each been charged with one count of trafficking in persons, in violation of RSA 633:7, I(a). That charge alleges that Martin and Torruellas, from about October 1 to about October 17, 2024, acting in concert and aided by others, knowingly compelled an adult victim (other than Ms. Steffy) against that person’s will to perform a service or labor for the benefit of another, and said compulsion was accomplished by causing or threatening to cause serious harm to that person, confining them unlawfully by means of actual and threatened use of force, threatening to commit crimes against that person, facilitating or controlling their access to an addictive controlled substance, and/or engaging in a scheme, plan, or pattern (overt or subtle) intended to cause the person to believe that if such labor or services were not performed they would suffer serious physical harm or physical restraint. Pursuant to the statute setting forth the offense of trafficking in persons, the person’s name will not be released.
Andrea Martin is expected to be arraigned at 1:00pm on February 12, 2025, at the Eighth Circuit Court, Keene District Division. The date and time of Christian Torruellas’ arraignment is pending. He is currently incarcerated on unrelated federal charges.
Anyone who may have information about Justina Steffy’s death and/or any of the circumstances leading up to it is asked to contact Detective Jennifer Truman or Detective Andrew Lippincott with the Keene Police Department, at jtruman@keenenh.gov, alippincott@keenenh.gov, or (603) 357-9820.
The charges and allegations against Andrea Martin and Christian Torruellas are merely accusations, and each is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.