Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Thursday, June 25, 2015 7:18 p.m.

INCIDENT: UPDATE – Homicide / Suicide

LOCATION: 12300 block of 3rd Street, Yucaipa

VICTIM: Tammy Theresa Chilton, 45, Yucaipa

SUSPECT: William Robert Martinez, 52, Huntington Beach

SUMMARY:
On Thursday, June 25, 2015 at 7:18 p.m. Tammy Chilton’s concerned friends went to her apartment after she failed to show up for work or return their phone calls. A friend and the apartment manager entered the apartment and found Chilton and her boyfriend, William Martinez, unresponsive. They called 911 and deputies, along with medical aid responded. Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Due to the suspicious nature of the deaths, Sheriff’s Homicide Investigators were requested to conduct the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and autopsies will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
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UPDATE – July 10, 2015:
Investigators found Martinez and Chilton deceased on the bed in Chilton’s bedroom. There was a ligature loosely tied around Chilton’s neck. Martinez was next to Chilton, hanging by his neck from the headboard. Autopsies revealed Chilton and Martinez died from strangulation.

Investigators have determined that Martinez strangled Chilton and then hung himself.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, Sergeant John Gaffney or Detective Patty Ruiz, at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sergeant John Gaffney or Detective Patty Ruiz

Station: Specialized Investigation Division – Homicide Detail

Phone No. (909)387-3589

Case No. 141502315 H#2015-054

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department