Holly Martinez, a 45-year-old White woman and educator in the Everett school district, was found dead in her Snohomish, Washington home on June 18, 2018. She had sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene; the Snohomish County Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide. Holly had filed for divorce in January 2018 and was living separately from her estranged husband, Paul Anthony Martinez.

On the evening of June 18, Paul Martinez went to the family home to retrieve belongings while the couple’s children were present. After going upstairs, an altercation occurred; the children reported loud voices and crashing sounds, and Paul left the house. Evidence indicated Holly was shot twice, once at close range, and the handgun had been a point of contention in the marriage. Paul Martinez was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a domestic violence enhancement, later pleading guilty.

During sentencing in January 2019 the court heard testimony about Holly’s role as a mother and educator and Paul was sentenced to 26 years in prison. Does anyone have additional information about Holly’s work in the district or knew her family and can share memories?