Belizean Woman Allegedly Killed by Father in the U.S. 

Belizean, 25-year-old Marbella Martinez is believed to have been killed by her father, 54-year-old Hector Martinez-Ayala.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday that the death of Deputy Marbella Martinez is being investigated as suspicious. Martinez, a corrections officer, was found deceased on Thursday, Aug. 1, and the Tooele Police Department is leading the investigation, according to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Martinez’s mother, Barbara Jimenez, told US media outlets that Martinez had a disagreement with her father on July 30. The next day, Marbella mentioned feeling unwell and intended to call in sick for work.

“The last message I received from her was around 2 p.m.,” said Jimenez, who resides in Belize but maintained daily contact with Martinez. Concerned after losing contact, Jimenez reached out to her ex-husband, who initially claimed Marbella was at work, then began avoiding her messages. “He said he was busy and would call me back later. Then he said he was busy feeding his cats and dogs,” recounted Jimenez.

Unable to reach either Martinez or her ex-husband, Jimenez contacted Hector’s brother in Salt Lake County, who promised to check on them. He found the house locked, and soon after, police discovered Martinez deceased in her bedroom, with no sign of her father.

“We know he killed her,” Jimenez stated, expressing her belief that Martinez-Ayala, known for his temper, was responsible. “I just want justice for my daughter. She was beautiful and kind and had the rest of her life to live.”

No gunshots or suspicious activities were reported prior to her discovery. “There are some details we can’t disclose right now, but there were signs to any well-trained detective of what likely occurred,” said Corporal Bentley, indicating they await test results to determine the cause of death.

Marbella’s death is under investigation as suspicious, with her father named a person of interest. “He’s not in custody at this time. We’re working with federal and state agencies to locate him,” said Bentley, noting a possibility that Hector may have fled the country.

“Deputy Martinez was a dedicated and beloved member of our team. Her untimely and tragic death is a profound loss for us all,” stated Sheriff Rosie Rivera. Deputy Martinez joined the Sheriff’s Office on January 11, 2024, as a Corrections Officer, demonstrating a strong commitment to her community in her brief tenure.