Man returns to home where girlfriend was fatally stabbed, then gets arrested, CA cops say

A man was arrested after his girlfriend was found dead in their apartment, California officials said.

On Sept. 8, Costa Mesa officers arrived at a home after getting reports of a woman needing medical help and found Denise Avila, 29, dead from several stab wounds, according to a news release by the police department.

Before officers arrived, Avila’s live-in boyfriend, later identified as 28-year-old Martin Laragarcia, was seen leaving the apartment in a car, officials said.

Hours later, he returned to the apartment while officers were there and was arrested, officers said.

Police didn’t specify what led to the stabbing.

The weapon believed to have been used in the stabbing has been found, officials said.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 714-754-5039.

Costa Mesa is about a 40-mile drive southeast of Los Angeles.

This story was originally published September 9, 2024 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Man returns to home where girlfriend was fatally stabbed, then gets arrested, CA cops say."