Robert Marin, 60, allegedly shot his estranged wife four times at their Phoenix home as their 17-year-old daughter watched. His response after the shooting has shocked investigators and the victim’s family alike.
A60-year-old Arizona man accused of shooting his estranged wife four times in front of their teenage daughter — and then calmly smoking a cigar over her body while the girl attempted to save her mother’s life — asked a judge this week to lower his $2 million bond. The judge said no.
“He went in the garage, lit a cigar, sat down and smoked a cigar while he watched his 17-year-old daughter perform CPR on her dying mother.”
Robert Marin is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Heather Marin, his estranged wife, who was shot at the couple’s Phoenix home in March. According to a probable cause affidavit, Heather had come to the house that night after a phone call with her daughter left her concerned. She was killed right in front of the teenager.
What police say happened
Investigators say Marin and his daughter had been arguing earlier that evening — a dispute that touched on his separation from Heather and the tensions surrounding their pending divorce. When Heather arrived, police allege Marin shot her multiple times, with witnesses saying she was “pleading for her life” before she was killed.
After the shooting, Marin did not call 911 or render any aid. Instead, according to the affidavit, he walked to the garage, sat down, and began smoking a cigar. His daughter found him there — covered in blood, puffing away — and screamed, “Why would you do this?!” Marin’s alleged response: a shrug.
When law enforcement arrived around 9:30 p.m., they found Marin in the garage with blood on his clothing and shoes. A firearm, holster, and spent casings were recovered at the scene. Officers noted a strong smell of alcohol on Marin. He dropped to his knees when deputies approached and was taken into custody without making any statements.
A pattern of threats, family says
The couple’s daughter told investigators that the violence did not come without warning. She described an incident in early February — never reported to police — in which Marin allegedly held a firearm and threatened to shoot Heather in the head before turning the gun on himself. She also said she had received screenshots of threatening and hateful text messages exchanged between her parents.
Prosecutors and police say the cigar — and Marin’s overall indifference in the moments after the shooting — are key evidence that the killing was premeditated, not a crime of sudden passion.
“He’s a danger to my family, me… maybe the rest of the family, neighbors, people who have seen what he did.” — Aaron Cooley, victim’s brother
Family fears early release
Aaron Cooley, Heather’s brother, told local outlet AZFamily ahead of Thursday’s bond hearing that he was deeply worried Marin could walk free if his bond were restructured. With a secured bond, Cooley noted, Marin might only need to post a fraction of the $2 million total — potentially as little as $200,000 — to be released. The judge denied the reduction request.
Robert Marin remains held at the Maricopa County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder. No trial date has been set.
Key facts at a glance
- Suspect: Robert Marin, 60, Phoenix, Arizona
- Victim: Heather Marin, his estranged wife
- Charge: First-degree murder
- Bond: $2 million cash — reduction request denied
- Key evidence: Post-shooting cigar, shrug response to daughter, prior threats
- Witness: Couple’s 17-year-old daughter, who performed CPR on her mother
