5 Shocking Truths About Jenni Rivera's First Husband, José Trinidad Marín, And His Current Status

The tumultuous and tragic story of Jenni Rivera's first marriage to José Trinidad Marín remains one of the most painful, yet defining, chapters of her life and the entire Rivera family saga. This relationship, which began when the Queen of Banda was just a teenager, set the stage for a decades-long battle against unimaginable betrayal and abuse that she would later channel into her powerful music and fierce advocacy for women.

As of December 2025, the name José Trinidad Marín, better known as Trino Marín, continues to resurface in headlines, not for his connection to the late superstar, but for the ongoing legal ramifications of his heinous crimes. His current status, decades after his conviction, is a stark reminder of the long shadow his actions cast over one of Latin music's most prominent families.

José Trinidad Marín: A Detailed Biography and Profile

José Trinidad Marín, often referred to simply as Trino Marín, is the former husband of the legendary Mexican-American singer, Jenni Rivera, and father to her three eldest children. His life is inextricably linked to the Rivera family’s history, though his legacy is one of crime and controversy.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

• Full Name: José Trinidad Marín
• Known As: Trino Marín
• Date of Birth: February 15, 1964
• Age: 61 years old (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Mexico
• Spouse: Jenni Rivera (married 1984, divorced 1992)
• Children with Jenni Rivera: Janney Marín (Chiquis Rivera, born 1985), Jacqueline Melina Marín (Jacqie Rivera, born 1989), and Michael Marín (born 1991)
• Criminal Status: Convicted felon, currently serving a 31-year prison sentence for multiple counts of sexual assault.

The Dark Chapter: Marín's Betrayal and Conviction

The marriage between Jenni Rivera and José Trinidad Marín began in 1984 when Jenni was just 15 and pregnant with their first child, Janney, and Marín was 21. The relationship was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1992 after years of alleged domestic abuse and infidelity. However, the true horror of the marriage would not be fully revealed until years later, marking the darkest period in the Rivera family's history.

The Unspeakable Truth Revealed

The long-buried secret came to light in 1997 when Jenni Rivera’s younger sister, Rosie Rivera, bravely confessed to Jenni that Marín had sexually abused her. The confession was compounded by the devastating revelation that Marín was also abusing his own daughters, Janney Marín (Chiquis) and Jacqueline Marín (Jacqie). This moment was a turning point that shattered the family and propelled Jenni into a new life of advocacy and survival.

Fugitivity, Arrest, and 31-Year Sentence

Following the revelations, the Rivera family took legal action. Marín became a fugitive, evading authorities for nine years. His time on the run ended in April 2006 when he was finally apprehended in Southern California. The subsequent trial brought the horrific details to light, leading to a conviction on six of nine counts of sexual abuse. José Trinidad Marín was sentenced to 31 years in state prison with no possibility of parole, a sentence intended to keep him incarcerated until 2037, when he would be 73 years old.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Jenni Rivera's Legacy: Turning Pain into Power

The trauma inflicted by José Trinidad Marín was the catalyst for Jenni Rivera's transformation from a singer into a powerful symbol of female strength and resilience. She often spoke publicly about the abuse, domestic violence, and betrayal she and her family endured, becoming an outspoken advocate for survivors.

• The Unbreakable Persona: Jenni Rivera, known as *La Diva de la Banda*, used her music and public platform to share her personal struggles, connecting deeply with millions of fans who saw their own pain reflected in her story. Her autobiography, *Unbreakable: My Story, My Way*, details the harrowing experience with Marín.
• Advocacy and Activism: The singer’s experiences fueled her activism, particularly against domestic violence and sexual abuse. She established foundations and used her celebrity to raise awareness, ensuring that her family's tragedy served a purpose for others.
• Family Healing: The healing process was long and public. Her children, especially Chiquis Rivera, have since spoken out about the abuse and their journey toward recovery, continuing their mother's legacy of transparency and strength.

The Latest Update: Resentencing and Potential Early Release

In a development that has caused significant alarm and controversy within the Rivera family, news surfaced in recent years regarding a potential resentencing for José Trinidad Marín. Although his original sentence was 31 years without parole, changes in California sentencing laws have created a narrow window for certain convicted individuals to have their cases reviewed, potentially leading to a reduced sentence or early release.

This possibility has been a source of great distress for the victims—Chiquis, Jacqie, and Rosie Rivera—and the entire Rivera family, who have publicly voiced their opposition to any reduction in his sentence. As of late 2025, the legal process remains a sensitive and closely watched matter, highlighting the ongoing impact of Marín's crimes, even from behind bars. The family continues to rely on their faith and unity, a testament to the strength instilled by Jenni Rivera.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The Three Children of Jenni Rivera and Trino Marín Today

Despite the traumatic beginning to their lives, Jenni Rivera’s three eldest children have all followed paths of resilience and success, often in the public eye, continuing to honor their mother’s memory.

1. Janney Marín (Chiquis Rivera): The eldest, Chiquis, is a successful singer, author, and reality television star. She has been incredibly open about her journey of healing from the abuse and the subsequent, highly publicized reconciliation with her mother before Jenni's tragic death in 2012.
2. Jacqueline Melina Marín (Jacqie Rivera): Jacqie has also pursued a music career and is known for her strong family focus. She, too, has been a voice for survivors, sharing her story as part of the family’s commitment to advocacy.
3. Michael Marín: Michael has maintained a more private life compared to his sisters, though he has appeared in family reality shows. He is a father and has also been a steady presence in the family’s public discussions about their past.

The story of Jenni Rivera and José Trinidad Marín is a powerful narrative of darkness and light. While Marín remains a symbol of the abuse Jenni fought against, her children and sister have become symbols of the strength, healing, and "unbreakable" spirit that Jenni Rivera championed throughout her life. The legal updates surrounding Marín serve as a constant reminder that the fight for justice and peace is an ongoing process for the survivors.