TUCSON, Ariz. — A local man has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of his girlfriend inside their home, a tragedy that unfolded in front of their three young children. Officers responded to reports of screams on April 13 at a residence on North Dodge Boulevard, where they found 28-year-old Katlynne Roy unresponsive.
Martine Mayorquin, 32, faces serious allegations that include first-degree murder and three counts of domestic violence child abuse, linked to the horrific incident that left Roy dead and their children, aged 7, 5, and 3, in distress. Prosecutors revealed that during his initial court appearance, Mayorquin allegedly admitted to choking Roy twice while the children witnessed the attack. A judge set his bond at $1 million, emphasizing the severity of the charges despite the defense’s argument for a lower amount based on Mayorquin’s clean criminal history.
The police were alerted around 6 p.m. after neighbors reported commotion coming from the home. One neighbor, concerned by the sounds of screaming children, contacted the property manager, who then entered the residence. Inside, authorities discovered Roy on the floor while the children were found crying in a bathroom. Upon arrival, officers noted signs of trauma to Roy’s neck, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later classified her death as a domestic violence homicide.
Details from the complaint reveal that one of the children recounted witnessing the attack, providing critical insight into the moments leading up to Roy’s death. After being read his rights, Mayorquin reportedly admitted to using a rear-naked choke hold on Roy, which he sustained for several minutes, punctuated by punches to her mouth. Authorities observed injuries on both Roy and Mayorquin, with the latter claiming the visible marks on himself were a result of Roy’s struggle to fight back.
The incident quickly drew public attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the children, and law enforcement has not disclosed their current situation or who is taking care of them following the event. The children’s names are withheld to protect their identities as they are considered minors in a criminal case.
After being taken into custody, Mayorquin was booked at the Pima County Jail. During preliminary hearings, prosecutors laid out their case for the high bond, citing the nature of the crime, the presence of the children, and the violent manner in which Mayorquin allegedly inflicted harm on Roy. The defense argued for a lesser bond, noting Mayorquin’s lack of prior offenses, but the judge agreed with the prosecution.
As the case moves forward, prosecutors continue to gather evidence while key questions remain, including Roy’s official cause of death and the full details surrounding the incident within the apartment. The next court date is scheduled for April 24, where further proceedings will address the status of the case and any additional evidence that may emerge.
With several critical aspects yet to be clarified, the investigation remains under scrutiny as authorities prepare to present their findings in court. Mayorquin, facing serious allegations, obviously has the right to a fair trial, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.