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Santa Maria woman, 64, dies after sexual assault

August 3, 2015
Victor Aureliano Martinez

Victor Aureliano Martinez

A 64-year-old Santa Maria woman was sexually assaulted last month by a 29-year-old man. Eight days later, she died in the hospital. [KEYT]

On July 24, Victor Aureliano Martinez broke into the home of Marilyn Pharis, who was sleeping at the time. Pharis suffered severe injuries after a violent struggle and the sexual assault.

Pharis went to a nearby hospital, where she appeared to be making progress. But on Saturday, she suffered a coronary embolism.

Doctors spent 30 minutes trying to revive Pharis, but did not succeed. It is not yet known whether her death occurred as a result of the injuries she suffered in the July 24 attack.

Pharis worked as a satellite tracker at Vandenberg Air Force Base. She was described as a “gentle” and “strong woman” by her sister-in-law Pamela Frame.

Frame said Pharis fought back enough so the police could identify her attacker.

Shortly following the attack, officers captured Martinez at a home in the 1000 block of West Donovan Road. Martinez is charged with attempted murder, sexual assault and residential burglary.


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What a horrible way to end your life…..with some monster defiling you in the sanctuary of your own home. These days, we are shocked by more and more horrendous crimes–and there are so many these days, we never hear what happens in most of the trials because there are new crimes crowding the headlines every day….each one more degrading and unfathomable than the last. I can only hope that angels were waiting just on the other side of the veil-to comfort this woman and usher her out of this maniacal lunatic bin. You are free now Marilyn; the pain is over.


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In situations like these, it’s readily apparent how ineffective proactive law enforcement has become.


We live in a society where you are “innocent until proven guilty”. Thankfully so. But most criminals are repeat offenders. This is an age old pattern but our laws are designed to protect both criminals as well as law abiding citizens.


This is where profiling can be useful. Notice I said “profiling”, not “racial profiling”.


To a large extent, “dangerous people” can be recognized. This guy looks dangerous. Richard Ramirez looked dangerous. Charles Manson looked dangerous.


OJ Simpson and Scott Peterson didn’t look dangerous, but neither did they murder a 64 year old stranger who was minding her own business in her own home. Though by no means justifying their actions, at least they KNEW their victim!


There will always be some dangerous people who escape identification. This is the price we pay for free society where you are “innocent until proven guilty”.


But the laws we have in place makes Martinez – in the eyes of law enforcement – look no more dangerous than the Dalai Lama.


Our laws have, in effect, blinded law enforcement to the obvious. With a face like that does anyone really believe this guy is a first time offender?


Scott


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I understand where you are going and agree somewhat but your comment on cops being proactive? Never have been, they are reactive. Not criticizing them just saying, if you call and say I think the neighbor is going to kill me and don’t have evidence not much they can do. If the neighbor comes over kicks the door in and tries to kill you now they can…………react.


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You have no idea what you are talking about. Get educated on what REALLY goes on and repost.


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I didn’t give you a thumbs up but I didn’t give you a thumbs down either. Your post is heartfelt and I understand what you’re saying (I think) but we can’t simply judge people by how they look. Sometimes I agree that we do know who someone is without personally making their acquaintance, especially when their behavior (be it subtle) is coupled by their appearance.


With that said, some people just like to look different and that includes tattooing their faces, etc. Some people are just homely/ugly and look mean but they are the kindest people in the world because they know how bad it feels to be homely/ugly and meaning.


So, we can not simply judge people by how they look. You need to re-think your post.


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Our prison system is called the Department of Corrections yet there are some monsters who simply cannot be “corrected.”


There’s a death penalty for a reason and because of his horrific actions, Mr. Martinez doesn’t deserve to live.


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Comments focused on immigration or extra judicial punishments are cheerfully deleted.

??? or !!!! can be directed to Email please and thank you


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Shocking! another murder/rape in the lovely city of Santa Maria? Somebody ought to hang this dirtbag by his nuts from a tree! Ship his ass to Isis!


Condolences to the family.


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This act that Mr. Martinez committed is horrific and is sad because of family members now suffering a terrible grief, but as a true Christian, I forgive Mr. Martinez of his sins and love him nonetheless as our Hebrew God of the Christian faith so demands.


“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6: 14-15)


“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” (Proverbs 10:12)


“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14)


Seemingly, this break-in occurred at night, therefore, it’s too bad that this woman in question didn’t have a 44mag handgun at the ready when this fool broke in, because she could have killed him with no guilt whatsoever.


“If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him” (Exodus 22:2)


If only more people, and especially Christians, actually read their bibles fully, then subsequently, they would know that we have the word of God on our side in a Christian nation’s court of law. Remember, in court we don’t swear on the bible for nothing, praise!


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sweet justice.


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This parasite needs to be dispatched as one eliminates a dog seen attacking the chickens. This is horrible to see. My deepest thoughts and prayers for this family.


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Absolutely tragic.

Condolences to her family.

Hope this guy never sees the light of day again.


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He’s charged with “attempted murder?”


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If that is the case then aggravated assult thence murder should be his upgraded charges. One more reason for a speedy trial and if found guilty, a public hanging in front of his favorite resturant.


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I agree with the upgraded charges but not with punishing a business by having them be known as a killing spot. Doing so will either turn them into a destination for weirdos or kill their business all together. That’s unfair.


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