James Fuller Martin, 47, faces first-degree murder charges for allegedly stabbing his wife, Amber Nicole Martin, 41, to death in their Coralville, Iowa, apartment on January 16, 2026. Authorities state he admitted to the premeditated attack, retrieving a kitchen knife to surprise and repeatedly stab her around 6:40 a.m. as she exited a room; she was pronounced dead at the scene despite medical aid.
Victim Background
Amber worked as a medical laboratory scientist supervisor in microbiology at University of Iowa Health Care since September 2025, earning praise as “sweet, smart,” and a natural leader from boss Connie Floerchinger. Previously, both she and James served as lab coordinators at Quincy Medical Group—her as vivacious and kind, him quieter—shocking former colleagues who saw them as a loving couple.
Incident and Arrest
Police responded to the 2800 block of Spring Rose Circle after a stabbing report, finding evidence matching James’s confession and a witness account; no motive has been disclosed publicly. He remains in custody without a first court appearance as of January 19, 2026.
Community Reaction
Coworkers mourn Amber’s loss, noting her hand-heart gesture days before and her rapid team integration; her Quincy days highlighted her kindness via a 2019 award. The case underscores domestic violence risks, with resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline available.
