Arizona Man Arrested for Girlfriend’s Murder
Arizona authorities have apprehended a suspect in connection with a tragic murder case. Erik Islas, a 53-year-old resident of Peoria, is facing charges of first-degree murder. The charges stem from the alleged stabbing of his girlfriend, 59-year-old Patricia Hawking, who sustained 26 stab wounds during an altercation on September 3.
The investigation began when concerns were raised about Hawking’s whereabouts. Her landlord alerted the police after not seeing her for several days. When they dialed her phone, a man answered, claiming to have found it at a Phoenix intersection.
On September 5, law enforcement entered Hawking’s residence, where they discovered a distressing scene. Blood was evident on the floor, and a blood-soaked knife was discarded in the trash. The dwelling bore clear signs of a struggle, including broken furniture and damaged belongings, as indicated in court documents.
Hawking’s lifeless body was found in a bedroom, displaying unmistakable signs of trauma, with 26 stab wounds inflicted upon her. Shockingly, a part of the knife was still embedded in her back.
Video footage obtained by authorities revealed a physical altercation between Hawking and Islas on the day of her death. Relatives of the victim informed the police that their relationship had been tumultuous, and Islas had previously harmed her.
According to court records, “The victim told family members about threats Erik had made to kill her and her family by stabbing them with a knife.”
The police eventually traced Islas’ vehicle and determined that he had crossed the border into Mexico. He was apprehended upon his return to the United States.
“After receiving his Miranda rights, Erik confessed to arguing with [Hawking], punching her in the face/head, and then stabbing her multiple times with the intent to kill her,” the court documents stated. “Erik did not provide aid or call 911. He took the victim’s phone so he could not be tracked and fled to Mexico.”
Erik Islas has been incarcerated without bail, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office continues to actively investigate the case.