Crime & Safety

Travis County Man Gets Life Sentence In Girlfriend's Killing

Robert Degollado pleaded guilty to stabbing Emily Martinez 39 times last year as her young sons helplessly witnessed the killing.

TRAVIS COUNTY, TX — A Travis County man was sentenced to life in prison for murder in the death of his former girlfriend who he stabbed nearly 40 times, the district attorney's office announced Monday.

Roberto Degollado drew the life sentence on Monday for the Feb. 3, 2018, murder of Emily Martinez. Prosecutors submitted evidence to the court that Degollado brutally murdered the woman by stabbing her 39 times as the victim’s juvenile sons helplessly witnessed the killing, the DA's office said in a press advisory.

Degollado entered a guilty plea in the court of Judge Tamara Needles at the 427th District Court. After the sentencing, Assistant District Attorney Josh Reno said: “The focus of this case has always been the tragic fact that two young boys had to witness the death of their mother in their home. We know this life sentence will not bring their mother back, but we hope it will give closure to one part of the grieving process and allow the young men, and the entire family of Emily Martinez, to feel that justice was served."

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