A Mesa man who called 911 to report finding his girlfriend unresponsive has been arrested and charged with her murder, according to Mesa police.
Authorities say the investigation began after officers responded to an apartment in downtown Mesa, where a woman was found dead. Evidence gathered at the scene led detectives to arrest the man who had initially contacted emergency dispatchers.
Response
Mesa police responded shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday to an apartment complex near 1st and Hibbert streets.
According to investigators, 37-year-old Kyle Collins called 911 and told dispatchers he had returned home to find his girlfriend, 36-year-old Cierra Tellez, unresponsive. Collins said he was performing CPR while waiting for emergency crews to arrive.
When police officers and firefighters reached the apartment, they found Tellez deceased.
Investigation
Police said injuries observed on Tellez prompted homicide detectives to respond to the scene.
Investigators confirmed that Collins and Tellez were in a relationship and lived together at the apartment.
Based on evidence collected during the investigation, preliminary findings from the medical examiner, and witness interviews, detectives established probable cause to arrest Collins.
He was booked into jail on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder.
Neighbor
A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, told reporters he had spent Monday evening with Collins.
“We were outside playing Monopoly,” the neighbor said. “Everything was fine, nothing was off.”
The neighbor said Collins came to his door early Tuesday morning appearing upset and said he had been involved in a fight with Tellez.
“He came out, flipping out,” the neighbor said. “He came and knocked on my door and was telling me about it, and then went and called his mom and was on the phone with his mom for an hour.”
According to the neighbor, Collins later said he was going to work.
Court
During Collins’ initial court appearance, prosecutors said his employer confirmed that he never arrived at work that Tuesday.
A prosecutor described the case as “a very brutal and horrific murder” and told the court, “We believe that Mr. Collins is a very dangerous individual.”
The court set Collins’ bond at $1.25 million, cash only.
Background
Prosecutors also stated that Collins has a prior criminal history involving domestic violence and kidnapping.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the events leading up to Tellez’s death as the investigation continues.
Investigation Continues
The death has left neighbors shocked, with one resident saying the atmosphere at the apartment complex has changed.
“I’m speechless, honestly. I never would’ve guessed a day in my life,” the neighbor said.
Mesa police said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as the case progresses through the legal process.
FAQs
Who was arrested in the Mesa homicide case?
Mesa police arrested 37-year-old Kyle Collins.
Who was the victim?
Police identified the victim as 36-year-old Cierra Tellez.
What charges does Collins face?
He was booked on kidnapping and first-degree murder charges.
Where did the incident happen?
It occurred near 1st and Hibbert streets in downtown Mesa.
What bond was set for Collins?
His bond was set at $1.25 million cash only.
