By Scott North
Herald Writer
A Lynnwood man was charged with second-degree murder Thursday after allegedly strangling his girlfriend, a woman he reportedly had been abusing for months.
Leogardo Serezo Jr., 22, is accused in the death of Angela Martin, 21. She was found dead in the apartment the couple shared after police went there Wednesday morning, acting on a tip from somepne who knew Serezo.
An arrest warrant carrying $250,000 cash-only bail has been issued for Serezo, who is believed to be headed toward Mexico.
Serezo has four times since February been investigated for assaulting Martin, including a May 8 incident during which he allegedly choked her, court papers show.
The alleged assault earlier this month came after an argument about the couple’s relationship, according to a Lynnwood police report filed along with Thursday’s charge.
"Angela stated that they had just watched a movie about a boyfriend killing his girlfriend by strangling her. She stated that she thinks he was trying to kill her," the report says.
Serezo faces two misdemeanor assault charges for alleged attacks on Martin. One of the charges was filed the last day of the young woman’s life.
Police thoroughly investigated each alleged assault and provided Martin with information on how to get assistance, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Mark Roe said in an affidavit filed along with Thursday’s murder charge.
Martin "was encouraged by police to leave the defendant and get a restraining order, but recently told police things were going to be fine and she was moving soon anyway. She almost did, but was strangled by the defendant first," Roe wrote.
The young woman’s body was found near boxes packed with her belongings, according to court papers.
One of her friends told police that she spoke with Martin on the phone the night before her death. When the friend said goodbye, Martin reportedly said, "No, that’s forever. I’ll see you later."
Police reports allege Serezo had repeatedly threatened to harm Martin and himself, and was treated earlier for a deep gash on his hand after breaking a glass during an argument.
Serezo was bleeding from fresh cuts to his wrist when he showed up at a friend’s Everett home early Wednesday and said that Martin was dead and he needed help to get to Mexico, Roe wrote. The friend refused assistance and instead called 911.
Blood was found on Martin’s body, and because she wasn’t cut, police suspect it is Serezo’s.
You can call Herald Writer Scott North at 425-339-3431
or send e-mail to north@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
