Valerie Martinez, 21, of Visalia, California, was shot and killed at the front doorway of her home on October 5, 2019. The incident followed a breakup with her boyfriend, Anthony Martin; friends say the relationship had been abusive and that Martinez had told a friend Martin had strangled her and that she’d returned his AR-15 before the fatal confrontation. She visited Martin’s grandparent’s house earlier that day to drop off belongings and later returned home, where Martin confronted her.

Witness testimony and court evidence presented that Martin fired multiple shots, striking Martinez in the neck and leg. Police arrested Martin hours after the shooting and recovered shell casings in his car and a homemade AR-15 in a storage unit. The judge found sufficient evidence at preliminary hearings to proceed on murder charges; the defense argued Martin did not intend to kill and was shooting at the ground.

Valerie’s family has spoken about the abuse she endured and hopes her case raises awareness about domestic violence. If anyone knew Valerie, her routines, or has information about the events of October 5, 2019, please come forward.