On January 16, 2026, Amber Nicole Martin, age 41, was fatally stabbed in her home in Coralville, Iowa. Her husband, James Fuller Martin, age 47 and recently employed as an assistant lab manager, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder. The attack was reportedly planned hours in advance and involved a surprise stabbing with a kitchen knife. Amber was pronounced dead at the scene. The case remains pending.
Country: United States
State/Province: Iowa, United States
City/Region: Coralville
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration:
Incident Date: Jan. 16, 2026
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How the relationship or connection began.
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2026-01-16
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Original language: English
Details revealed in Coralville stabbing
Domestic Violence
The case involves a domestic violence homicide where the husband planned and executed a surprise stabbing attack on his wife in their home. The incident reflects an escalation of domestic conflict culminating in lethal violence within a marital relationship.
James Fuller Martin was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with First Degree Murder. He admitted to the killing. The investigation is ongoing with the case status pending.
No reported confusion or disputed narratives; suspect admitted to the killing.
James Fuller Martin planned the attack hours before the incident. Early morning on January 16, 2026, he ambushed and stabbed Amber Nicole Martin multiple times with a kitchen knife in their home. Police arrived and pronounced Amber dead at the scene. Martin was arrested and charged the same day.
High risk due to premeditation and use of a weapon in a domestic setting; the surprise nature of the attack indicates significant danger to the victim.
Premeditated domestic violence can escalate rapidly to lethal outcomes. Early intervention in domestic conflicts is critical. Surprise attacks in the home are a significant risk factor.
Reported planning of the attack hours before the stabbing was a critical early signal.
Admission by the suspect and the surprise nature of the attack helped connect the case.
Suspect's confession and forensic evidence from the stabbing at the home were strongest.
Not reported.
No follow-up reports available beyond initial arrest and charges.
Relationship duration and motive details remain unclear.