Tooele, Utah • The father of a Salt Lake County’s Sheriff’s Office deputy found dead last month has been charged with her murder, calling the crime an “unforgivable sin” in a text to a family member before leaving the country.
Hector Ramon Martinez-Ayala, 54, was charged with multiple counts in the death of his daughter, Marbella Martinez, including Murder, Stalking and Obstructing Justice.
The body of 25-year-old Martinez, who had been a corrections officer with the department, was found at the Tooele home she shared with family during a welfare check on Aug. 1. Her death was ruled to be suspicious, and her father, Martinez-Ayala, was named a person of interest.
According to the indictment, it’s believed Martinez-Ayala killed his daughter on July 31. The cause of death was ruled to be homicide from strangulation.
Investigators said text messages between Martinez-Ayala and Marbella were “more of the nature of a jealous lover than a father,” and that his behavior towards his daughter had become “increasingly troublesome” as he had become “obsessed and controlling” with her.
To read the full story, visit Fox13Now.com.
The Salt Lake Tribune and Fox 13 are content sharing partners.