A Maricopa County man charged in the fatal shooting of his estranged wife is asking a judge to lower his $2 million bond as family members warn he could be released.
PHOENIX, AZ – A man accused of killing his estranged wife inside their Phoenix home and then smoking a cigar while their teenage daughter tried to save her is seeking a reduction in his bond, raising alarm from the victim’s family ahead of a scheduled court hearing.
Robert Marin, 60, faces a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Heather Marin, who prosecutors say was shot multiple times during a domestic dispute in March. He is currently held on a $2 million cash bond in the Maricopa County Jail, with a hearing set for Thursday to consider lowering that amount.
“He’s a danger to my family, me … maybe the rest of the family, neighbors, people who have seen what he did,” said Aaron Cooley, the victim’s brother, in comments to AZFamily. “Right now, [Robert Marin’s bond] is set at $2 million cash, but if they lower it only to a secured [bond] — even if it’s $2 million secured bail — he has the means. If all he has to come up with is $200,000, he’s out.”
Allegations from the night of the shooting
According to a probable cause affidavit, the shooting followed an argument involving Marin, his daughter, and tensions surrounding his separation from Heather Marin. “[Marin’s] teenage daughter reported she and Marin were in a verbal argument earlier in the evening,” the affidavit states. “During this argument, Marin expressed hatred toward the victim [Heather Marin], from whom he was informally separated and in the process of divorcing.”
The daughter also told investigators she had confronted her father about the separation, which “likely fueled the tension of the argument.”
Cooley said his sister became concerned during a phone call with her daughter and went to the home that night. Police allege she was shot in front of the teen.
“[Robert Marin] 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,” Cooley said.
The affidavit describes the daughter’s reaction upon discovering the scene: “Why would you do this?!” she yelled at her father. Marin allegedly responded by “shrugging his shoulders.”
Investigators say the shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. and may have been premeditated, citing Marin’s actions afterward and statements from witnesses. The affidavit notes his “indifference after the shooting, electing to smoke a cigar rather than render aid,” as well as allegations that the victim was “pleading for her life before being shot multiple times.”
Prior threats and arrest details
When deputies arrived, they found Marin in the garage with “blood on his clothing and shoes,” according to the affidavit. A firearm, holster, and spent casings were recovered at the scene.
“When deputies contacted the suspect, he dropped to his knees upon their arrival and was detained without making any statements,” the affidavit states. “Deputies noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from Marin during transport to a MCSO [Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office] facility for questioning and processing.”
The couple’s daughter also described a prior incident in February in which Marin allegedly threatened violence. She reported that he held a firearm and threatened to shoot Heather Marin before killing himself. Investigators also cited “hateful and threatening language” in text messages between the couple.
“[The daughter] confirmed that Marin was an avid gun owner with multiple unsecured firearms stored throughout the residence to include pistols and hunting rifles,” the affidavit alleges.
Marin remains in custody as the court considers whether to modify his bond conditions, a decision that could determine whether he remains jailed or is released pending trial.
Robert Marin bond hearing, Phoenix murder case, Heather Marin shooting, Maricopa County crime, Arizona domestic violence case
