PHOENIX — A Maricopa County judge denied a request Thursday to cut bond in half for a West Valley man accused of killing his estranged wife while their teenage daughter was inside the home.
Robert Marin, 60, will remain in jail on a $2 million cash bond as he awaits trial on a first-degree murder charge in the death of 50-year-old Heather Marin.
According to court records, the couple’s teenage daughter called 911 after hearing her mother pleading for her life, followed by several gunshots outside the home.
Investigators allege Robert Marin then walked away and smoked a cigar in the garage while covered in his wife’s blood.
Court records state the couple was separated and going through a divorce. Prosecutors have also referenced alleged unreported incidents of domestic violence leading up to the shooting.
During Thursday’s hearing, Marin’s defense attorney argued the current bond amount is excessive and unconstitutional, noting Marin has no criminal history and is not a flight risk.
The defense also pushed back on claims Marin could flee to Mexico or live “off the grid” if released.
“The state is alleging that Robert is an avid outdoorsman, and he could probably live off the land if he fled to Mexico,” the attorney said. “The truth is that Robert camps, but he doesn’t do normal camping with a tent; he does glamping.”
The attorney also argued the average bond in Maricopa County for first-degree murder cases is $1 million.
But prosecutors and Heather Marin’s family argued that lowering the bond could allow Marin to sell assets, post bail and flee while facing the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
Heather Marin’s brother, Aaron Cooley, gave emotional testimony during the hearing.
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“No child should have to witness her mother’s execution, at the hands of her father of all things,” Cooley told the court.
The judge acknowledged Marin does not appear to have a criminal history but said the allegations and evidence in the case are deeply concerning.
“I think you could be a danger to the community here,” the judge said before denying the motion.
Outside the courtroom, Cooley said the ruling brought relief to a grieving family that remains fearful.
“Common sense prevailed and justice was served,” Cooley said. “There was a lot of fear in our family. If he were to walk free, he had nothing to lose.”
Cooley said several family friends who helped Heather Marin before her death were too afraid to attend the hearing.
“There were several people that didn’t come to the courtroom because they were in fear for their life,” he said.
He described his sister as a hardworking mother and respected construction executive who was on track to become vice president of Haydon. “She was an amazing person,” Cooley said. “She gave more to others than she did herself.”
Cooley also praised Heather Marin’s two daughters, saying they have shown strength throughout the case. He said the younger daughter graduated from high school this week without either parent present.
“It was another tough day,” he said. “I can only imagine how difficult it would be to go through that milestone without either of your parents around.”
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If convicted, Robert Marin could face life in prison.