On a Sunday morning in May 2018, the life of 22-year-old Alina Duwyenie was tragically cut short in a Mesa, Arizona apartment. Responding to what was initially reported as an accidental shooting, police arrived at a residence near Country Club Drive and Broadway Road to find Duwyenie with a gunshot wound to her eye. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
At the scene, officers found Martin Larney, Duwyenie's 22-year-old boyfriend, who was initially
detained for questioning. Larney's account of the incident shifted multiple times under police interrogation. At first, he claimed his gun had accidentally discharged when he tossed it onto a couch. He then altered his story, stating the weapon fired as he was attempting to unload it. However, he eventually confessed to a more sinister motive, admitting he was jealous and upset over an outfit Duwyenie was wearing, which led him to wave the loaded gun at her.
The investigation revealed a troubled history between the couple. Larney admitted to previous instances of domestic violence, including having pointed a loaded gun at Duwyenie in the past. He also confessed to having had thoughts about shooting her before the fatal incident. Larney's brother, who was also in the apartment, told police he heard a loud noise and then heard Larney yelling Duwyenie's name. He found his brother holding Duwyenie's head with a handgun lying on the couch nearby. Martin Larney was subsequently arrested and booked on suspicion of second-degree murder.
