A woman accused of murdering her neighbor in Oklahoma claimed she acted in self-defense, but autopsy results revealed a detail that directly contradicted her account, prosecutors said.
Background
The defendant, identified as 34-year-old Sarah Martinez, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of 41-year-old Michael Thompson, her neighbor in Tulsa County. According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on March 28 at a residence in the 8200 block of South Fulton Avenue.
Martinez told investigators that Thompson had come to her home and attacked her, prompting her to defend herself. She stated that a physical altercation ensued during which she grabbed a knife from her kitchen and stabbed Thompson, according to the probable cause affidavit.
The defendant was initially held without bond and has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Court records show Martinez has no prior criminal history in Oklahoma.
The Investigation
The Tulsa Police Department responded to the scene and found Thompson collapsed in the driveway of Martinez's home. He was transported to Hillcrest Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
During the initial investigation, detectives recovered a kitchen knife from the scene and collected DNA evidence. Martinez was taken into custody the following morning.
The Tulsa County Medical Examiner's Office conducted the autopsy, which revealed that Thompson died from a single gunshot wound to the chest — not from stab wounds as Martinez had claimed during her interview with detectives.
No firearm was recovered from the scene, and investigators have not disclosed where the shooting may have occurred or how the bullet entered the victim's body. The medical examiner's report directly contradicts Martinez's statement that she stabbed Thompson during the altercation.
Detectives have executed a search warrant at the residence and are continuing to gather evidence, including security camera footage from neighboring homes.
Key Takeaways
- Defendant Sarah Martinez, 34, charged with second-degree murder in neighbor's death
- Victim Michael Thompson, 41, died from gunshot wound, not stab wounds as defendant claimed
- Autopsy findings contradict self-defense narrative presented to investigators
- Tulsa Police Department continue investigation; no firearm recovered from scene
- Defendant has no prior criminal history and has pleaded not guilty
What's Next
Martinez is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 27 in Tulsa County District Court. Prosecutors have indicated they will present the autopsy findings as part of their case. Investigators are still seeking to determine the location where the shooting occurred and locate the firearm used in the killing. The Tulsa Police Department's homicide unit is asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.