Suspect Martin Laragarcia allegedly fled after killing his partner, only to return hours later.
A Costa Mesa man, Martin Laragarcia, was arrested after allegedly stabbing his romantic partner, Denise Avila, to death and returning to their apartment while police were still investigating the scene, authorities reported.
According to the Costa Mesa Police Department, the violent incident unfolded late Sunday when Laragarcia, 28, stabbed Avila, 29, multiple times in their residence on the 500 block of Victoria Street. The brutal attack was reported shortly before 8 p.m., and by the time officers arrived, Laragarcia had already fled the scene in a vehicle. Avila was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
Despite initially escaping, Laragarcia returned to the apartment “hours later,” police said, while investigators were still on site. He was arrested in connection with Avila’s killing shortly after his return.
“Detectives have located what is believed to be the weapon used in this homicide,” the department confirmed in its statement.
Laragarcia was not listed in jail records as of Monday morning.
Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Eloisa Peralta at 714-754-5039.
