VISALIA, Calif. — On August 24, 2022, in Department 10 of the Tulare County Superior Court, a jury found Mark Martin, age 37, guilty of attempted murder of four people and arson.
Around 6:38 pm on February 7, 2021, Super Bowl Sunday, Martin broke into the garage of his ex-girlfriend with whom he has two young children. His ex, both his children, and his ex’s boyfriend were present in the Visalia home. Martin proceeded to use gasoline to start a fire near the water heater, which quickly accelerated to two cars in the garage and other areas. The occupants of the home safely evacuated. Initially believed to be a water heater failure, further investigation led fire and police personnel to determine arson as the cause.
Through investigation, law enforcement obtained video from nearby residences that captured a man on a BMX bicycle riding to and from the area of the residence during the time of the fire. The man was dressed in a hoodie, beanie, mask and gloves, a known outfit and mode of transportation for Martin, who was positively identified.
The next day, Martin made a Snapchat post directed at his ex-girlfriend about the seriousness of his intentions and the fear that he hoped the fire instilled in her. Additionally, Martin commented on the Visalia Stringer Facebook page post about the incident, asking how a water heater could cause so much damage. Martin was arrested February 9.
Evidence presented at trial displayed a pattern of harassment and threats made prior to the incident by Martin including voicemails to his ex-girlfriend wishing she would “die a slow death” and “burn to death.” A note was also left on his ex’s car threatening her new boyfriend to end their relationship. Additionally, statements came out that Martin bragged about setting the fire less than an hour after the incident.
Martin was convicted of four counts of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation, one count of arson, and one count of first-degree residential burglary. He possesses multiple felony convictions for receiving stolen property, carrying a loaded firearm, burglary, and vandalism. Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2022, in Department 10 where Martin faces life in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christian Park and was investigated by the Visalia Police Department.
TCDAO
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