A violent domestic dispute on the evening of March 20, 2019, resulted in the death of 21-year-old Hannah Roberts, a female resident of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call at approximately 10:08 p.m. in the 3000 block of Mae Drive, where they learned that Roberts and her 34-year-old partner, Arnold Martinez, had been in a severe altercation.
When authorities arrived, they were informed that Martinez had sustained a gunshot wound and had already
been taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center for his injuries. Shortly after, deputies discovered Roberts's body on Boys School Road. She had died from an apparent gunshot wound that she is believed to have sustained during the disturbance with Martinez.
The investigation into Roberts's death led to Arnold Martinez being identified as the suspect. While he was not immediately charged with murder, the investigation was ongoing. During the course of their work, investigators obtained a search warrant for Martinez's vehicle. Inside the car, they discovered a Smith & Wesson. 40 caliber handgun. They also found various controlled substances, which included methamphetamine, marijuana, Clonazepam, and a significant number of ecstasy/MDMA pills. These discoveries led to Martinez facing numerous charges, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, and possession of drug paraphernalia, among other charges for controlled substances.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, Roberts's parents, Wendy and Christopher Gates, were left not only with the profound grief of losing their daughter but also with the responsibility of caring for her premature baby girl, Esmoralda Josephine, who was also Martinez's child. The family hoped that by sharing Hannah's story, they could raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and inspire others in abusive situations to find help. In her memory, they asked for donations to be made to the CASA Women's Shelter in Pine Bluff and the International Order of Rainbow Girls, two organizations that held meaning for Hannah.
