NESPELEM, Wash. — A man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder following the grisly deaths of his girlfriend and her teenage son on the Colville Reservation. Authorities report that 34-year-old Damian Todd Martinez called 911 on Thursday to confess to the crimes, stating that he had killed both victims due to suspicions of infidelity.
According to court documents, Martinez alleged that his girlfriend had been unfaithful, although he provided no evidence to support this claim. Although he referred to her as his wife during the call, Martinez later clarified that they were not legally married but were in a committed relationship with plans to wed.
Upon arrival at the couple’s residence, Colville Tribal Police found Martinez covered in blood and discovered the bodies of the 17-year-old son, Anthony Dick, and his mother inside the home. Investigators learned that the night of the incident, the teenager had returned home sick from school earlier that day. Martinez reportedly entered the boy’s bedroom around 4 p.m. and attacked him while he was sleeping.
Martinez’s account of events became more haunting as he described his confrontation with the woman when she came home around 6 p.m. Upon denying his accusations of cheating, the woman was allegedly stabbed multiple times as she sat on the couch, unaware of her son’s fate just moments before.
In a disturbing revelation, court records indicated that the couple had another child—a daughter—who was not present during the incident. When questioned about what he might have done had she been home, Martinez reportedly expressed uncertainty.
The investigation revealed a troubling history, with Martinez admitting to previously assaulting the woman. His confession and demeanor during the police investigation were alarming, as he referred to himself as a “father figure” to the children involved.
Martinez was arraigned shortly after the tragic event, and the case continues to unfold as authorities gather more evidence. The community remains in shock over the tragic loss, and the investigation is expected to take further developments as details are scrutinized.