VISALIA MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER, ARSON

On Tuesday, May 23, 2023 the court sentenced Mark Martin, age 38, to life in prison for attempted murder and arson.

Around 6:38 pm on February 7, 2021, Super Bowl Sunday, Martin broke into the garage

of his ex-girlfriend with whom he has two young children. His ex, both his children, and

his ex’s boyfriend was present in the Visalia home. Martin proceeded to use gasoline to

start a fire near the water heater, which quickly accelerated to two cars in the garage and

other areas. The occupants of the home safely evacuated. Initially believed to be a water

heater failure, further investigation led fire and police personnel to determine arson as the cause. Through investigation, law enforcement obtained video from nearby residences that

captured a man on a BMX bicycle riding to and from the area of the residence during the

time of the fire. The man was dressed in a hoodie, beanie, mask and gloves, a known

outfit and mode of transportation for Martin, who was positively identified.

The next day, Martin made a Snapchat post directed at his ex-girlfriend about the

seriousness of his intentions and the fear that he hoped the fire instilled in her.

Additionally, Martin commented on the Visalia Stringer Facebook page post about the

incident, asking how a water heater could cause so much damage. Martin was arrested February 9. Evidence presented at trial displayed a pattern of harassment and threats made prior to

the incident by Martin including voicemails to his ex-girlfriend wishing she would “die a slow death” and “burn to death.” A note was also left on his ex’s car threatening her new

boyfriend to end their relationship. Additionally, statements came out that Martin

bragged about setting the fire less than an hour after the incident.

On August 24, 2022, Martin was convicted of four counts of attempted murder with

premeditation and deliberation, one count of arson, and one count of first-degree residential burglary. He possesses multiple felony convictions for receiving stolen

property, carrying a loaded firearm, burglary, and vandalism.

According to current California sentencing laws, Martin will not be eligible for a parole hearing until 2051. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Christian Park and was

investigated by the Visalia Police Department.