PAULDING COUNTY, Ohio (WLIO) — Two Paulding men were killed Friday evening in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 127, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Gaudalupe Amaro Martinez II, 28, and Guadalupe A. Martinez Jr., 55, died in the crash, which occurred just before 6:30 p.m. on U.S. 127 in Paulding County. Troopers say Martinez II was driving south on U.S. 127 when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck a pickup truck driven by 56-year-old Judd Charles Spencer of Cecil. Both Martinez II and Martinez Jr. were pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers believe speed was a factor in the crash. The investigation is continuing through the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Van Wert Post.
Media Release from the Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol
Jackson Township – The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Van Wert Post is investigating a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred on July 31, 2026, at approximately 6:29 P.M. on US -127 near mile post 8 in Paulding County.
A 2020 Chevrolet Traverse was being driven southbound on US-127 by Guadalupe Amaro  Martinez II, age 28, of Paulding, Ohio. A 2024 Dodge Ram 3500 was being driven northbound on US-127 by Judd Charles Spencer, age 56, of Cecil, OH. Martinez crossed the center line and was struck head-on by Spencer. Martinez and his passenger, Guadalupe A Martinez Jr, age 55, of Paulding were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted on scene by the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, Paulding Fire Department and Gideon’s Towing.
Speed is suspected to be a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation.
This crash is being investigated by the Van Wert Post.
