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Roommate Arrested for Fatal Helmet Attack
1 Aug
Summary
- Argument over an electric bill escalated into a violent assault.
- Victim suffered multiple facial fractures and died from blunt-force trauma.
- Suspect fled Phoenix but was apprehended in Flagstaff weeks later.
In Phoenix, an argument concerning an unpaid electric bill resulted in a fatal assault. The victim, 76-year-old Manuel Martinez, reportedly provided his roommate, 31-year-old Troy Yazzie, with $50 to pay the bill. When the bill remained unpaid, Martinez requested his money back, which led to an altercation.
Yazzie allegedly struck Martinez repeatedly with a white construction helmet, causing significant head injuries. Yazzie fled the scene before police arrived on April 30. Martinez was hospitalized, undergoing multiple treatments for facial fractures and other complications.
Martinez's condition continued to worsen, and he passed away on July 11 due to complications stemming from the blunt-force trauma. Detectives investigating the case learned Yazzie was on probation in Coconino County and had moved to Flagstaff.
After an extensive search, Yazzie was located and arrested in Flagstaff on July 28. During an interview, he admitted to punching Martinez and striking him with the helmet. He has since been booked for second-degree murder.
