SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police identify the victim in this morning’s homicide as 21-year-old Beverly Whitney Guerra of Sioux Falls
Lieutenant Matt Burns says her live-in boyfriend, 28-year-old Michael Richard Martinez is charged with manslaughter and second-degree murder. He says according to neighbors Martinez and Guerra had been fighting prior to the stabbing. But he says they haven't determined what sparked the disagreement and stabbing.
Burns says Martinez called police and was performing C-P-R on Guerra when officers arrived.
The victim’s two children, ages 3 and 6, were in a backroom during the incident and have been placed with Social Services.
All three murder victims in Sioux Falls this year have been women. Ironically, you can see the east side apartment complex where this latest tragedy occured from the office of the South Dakota Network Against Family Violence And Sexual Assault.
Network Executive Director Krista Heeren-Graber says it is often difficult for women to leave violent relationships because they fear they might be further hurt or even killed. She says the focus should always be on holding the offender accountable for his violent actions.
Heeren-Graber says there are many resources in Sioux Falls for victims of domestic violence. She says the quickest way to get help is to dial 2-1-1.