Utah Father on the Run After Being Charged with Murder of Sheriff’s Deputy Daughter

A Utah man, Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala, is facing murder charges after authorities named him the prime suspect in the tragic death of his daughter, Marbella Martinez, a 25-year-old sheriff’s deputy. Martinez was found dead in early August, just six months after being sworn in. Since the discovery, Martinez-Ayala is believed to have fled the country, and police are now on an international manhunt to bring him to justice.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that on August 1st, Martinez’s body was found in her bed after a welfare check, sparking an investigation led by the Toole City Police Department. Suspicion of foul play arose immediately, and new details point to Martinez-Ayala as the alleged murderer.

Authorities believe Martinez-Ayala strangled his daughter, leaving behind disturbing evidence, including fingernail claw marks on her face and neck. What raises further suspicion is the timeline leading up to her death. On July 31st, Martinez was last seen entering her home around 11 a.m., and by 12:33 p.m., indoor cameras captured her inside. However, just under two hours later, her father was recorded entering the home, and the camera footage abruptly cuts off afterward, leaving police to believe that Martinez-Ayala tampered with the surveillance system.

Adding to the troubling case, court documents reveal a history of Martinez-Ayala’s bizarre and inappropriate behavior toward his daughter. For months, he had allegedly been stalking her, with text messages showing a possessive and jealous relationship. Shockingly, Martinez had previously discovered a bag of her underwear in her father’s room and found that he had placed a tracking device on her car. This obsessive behavior caused significant tension, and authorities believe it may have contributed to the deadly confrontation.

Martinez-Ayala’s disturbing actions didn’t stop there. Authorities suspect he discarded his daughter’s phone while fleeing and used his twin brother’s identity to escape the country. He was last traced to a location outside of the United States, and law enforcement is actively working with international agencies to locate him.

The charges against Martinez-Ayala include murder, obstruction of justice, stalking, and multiple counts related to fraud and identity theft. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in tracking down Martinez-Ayala, who remains a fugitive.

This tragic case has sent shockwaves through the community, with many mourning the loss of Deputy Martinez, who was just beginning her career in law enforcement. Her life was cut short in the most heartbreaking way, and those who knew her are calling for justice.