Detroit Woman Spends Last Moments Alive Calling Father, Police For Help After Being Repeatedly Stabbed By Ex-Fiance, Who Jumped To His Death
Authorities in Chicago say a 27-year-old human resources manager, Julia Martin, who is from Detroit, Michigan, spent her last moments calling her father and police officials for help after she was repeatedly stabbed by her ex-fiance, who ended his life by jumping from an apartment building.
According to Fox 59, on the night of October 7, Rodney Harvey, 35, arrived at Martin’s apartment in the Prairie Shores neighborhood on the south side to pick up the engagement ring she wanted to return to him.
It was reported that the Michigan State University graduate had called off their engagement six months ago after three years of courtship.
However, the pickup turned deadly when police say he forced his way into the apartment and began stabbing his ex-fiance repeatedly before jumping to his death from a window inside of the apartment building.
Detroit Woman Stabbed To Death During Attempt To Return Engagement Ring To Ex https://t.co/DJacew73pD pic.twitter.com/yP0JVAVn9h
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In an attempt to save her own life, Martin immediately dialed 911 and reported the incident before calling and texting her father – Derrick Martin – for help who was unable to pick up or respond to her text messages as he was “hundreds of miles away, with no way to help her.”
“Not only did she call me, she texted me while she was going through all of this,” said Derrick. “She was calling everybody, saying that she wanted help.”
“She called another friend and she was panting over the phone, trying to get her breath. He thought it was a prank and he hung up on her. He feels so bad.”
When emergency responders arrived at Martin’s apartment in the 3000 block of South King Drive, she was rushed to the Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead just shortly after arrival.
Harvey was transported to the same hospital, where he was also pronounced dead. Investigators have ruled his death a suicide.
“I’m glad I didn’t get that call because it would have drove me crazy,” said Derrick.
The father of two went on to say that the death of his daughter came as a shock because “there was no indication that he [Harvey] was dangerous. I never would’ve thought that in a million years.”
“She never went into that much detail about how bad it was, she was just telling me that they had broken it off and that she was planning on giving the ring back.”
“God works in mysterious ways,” added Derrick. Before Julia’s brutal death, the pair had recently gone to a winery and enjoyed each other’s company. “He must’ve known it was going to be my last time to see her.”
“I just pray, I just ask God to give me strength. It’s like he keeps taking people that’s close to me and I don’t know why. You can’t question God, you just figure there’s a plan. And you pray.”
In a Facebook message, Aria Group Architects, Inc. – where Julia worked – released the following statement: “With a heavy heart, Aria Group Architects mourns the passing of our Human Resources Manager Julia Martin.”
“She was a thoughtful and caring colleague we were very fortunate to have with our office. Her contributions to Aria Group were many and our lives enriched by her enthusiasm and Great Spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Not long after the murder-suicide, hundreds were angry when the mother of Julia’s killer created a GoFundMe account, claiming that her son died unexpectedly, omitting the fact that he had jumped to his death before allegedly stabbing his ex-fiance to death.
Harvey’s GoFundMe account has since been removed.
A candlelight vigil will be held for the victim on Thursday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. on 24198 Church Street in Oak Park, Michigan.
[Featured Image By Julia Martin/Facebook]
