Tucson Standard

Tucson Police have confirmed the deaths of Pima County Justice Precinct 8 Constable Deborah Martinez-Garibay, and three other victims of a fatal shooting while Martinez-Garibay served an eviction notice at around 11:15 p.m. Thursday at the Lind Commons Apartments.

According to CBS News, Martinez-Garibay and Angela Fox-Heath, 28, the apartment complex manager, were fatally shot while trying to serve an eviction notice to Gavin Lee Stansell. Stansell’s neighbor, Elijah Miranda, 25, also was killed, authorities said.

“We lost one of our own yesterday and we are devastated. May all the family, friends, and colleagues of Constable Martinez know that we hold them all in our hearts … and that we grieve with them,” The Pima County Constables Office said in a statement released on Twitter. “We all know that the job of an Arizona Constable comes with risk, but we go about our business with caution and professionalism and treat all with whom we come in contact with respect and dignity.”

Martinez-Garibay had just joined the constable's office in March, according to a story by KGUN. She was a U.S. Army veteran, having enlisted after Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and served several tours in Afghanistan before becoming a constable, according to a release on Gov. Doug Ducey’s official website.

“The loss of Constable Deborah Martinez is felt across our state,” Ducey said in the release. “Whether it was serving in the U.S. Army or carrying out her duties as a constable for Pima County, she dedicated her life to helping others and her community. Constable Martinez was a Tucson native who will be remembered for the way she treated others with dignity and respect.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family, as well as those who also lost their lives in today’s tragic events,” Ducey said.

The constables office paid tribute to Martinez-Garibay for her long career of service.

“The constables and office staff work in service to the people of Pima County and Arizona,” the constables office continued in the statement. “Constable Martinez gave her life in that service and we honor her for her dedication to duty and public service. May she rest in peace.”

Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick expressed her sorrow via Twitter.

"I’m heartbroken to learn the news that our Pima County Constable, Deborah Martinez, was killed while doing her job today,” Kirkpatrick said in the Twitter post. “Deborah was a great public servant and notable advocate for veterans, may we honor her life and commitment to our community."