Marana, AZ – In a chilling and tragic case that has shocked the community, an Arizona man, Taton Dorfman, 30, was found guilty of second-degree murder for killing his girlfriend and her dog, then callously boasting about the crime during a FaceTime call with his ex-girlfriend. The incident, which unfolded on the night of July 28, 2024, has drawn widespread attention due to the heinous nature of the act and the suspect’s disturbing behavior following the murders.
Dorfman fatally shot 30-year-old Hannah Rogers in the head and also killed her dog before making the disturbing call to his ex-girlfriend, proudly declaring, “I killed her! I did it!” while lying next to Rogers’ bloody body. The ex-girlfriend’s quick action in reporting the crime to authorities was pivotal in the immediate response by law enforcement.
The Disturbing Crime and Immediate Aftermath
The violent crime occurred at a residence on the 5400 block of West Mosquito Drive in Marana, a town about 20 miles northwest of Tucson, Arizona. Police officers arrived at the scene around 10:30 p.m. after receiving the alarming report from the victim’s ex-girlfriend, who had taken screenshots of Dorfman’s FaceTime call.
Dorfman barricaded himself inside the residence for several hours, during which he admitted to the murders and even threatened to kill himself. Authorities, with support from the Pima County SWAT team, negotiated with Dorfman until he surrendered peacefully at 3:30 a.m. the following day. Despite having blood on his face and hands, Dorfman sustained no physical injuries during the standoff.
Evidence and Charges Against Dorfman
Officers found substantial evidence inside the home, including:
- Hannah Rogers’ body with a bullet wound to the head
- The deceased dog, also shot
- A large quantity of drug paraphernalia and alcohol
Following the investigation, Dorfman was formally arrested and charged with second-degree murder and animal cruelty.
Remembering Hannah Rogers
A GoFundMe campaign established in Hannah Rogers’ memory paints a vivid picture of her personality and the impact she had on those around her:
“She lit up rooms with her smile. She was caring for all life, and would always be there for anyone in need of help. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We are still in disbelief that this has happened.”
Friends and family mourn the loss of a woman described as beautiful, smart, and funny, highlighting the tragic senselessness of her death.
Upcoming Sentencing and Community Impact
Following his conviction on Wednesday, Dorfman is slated to be sentenced on October 20, 2024. The community continues to grapple with the shock and horror of this event, as law enforcement and citizens alike reflect on the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of criminal behavior.
This case is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic violence and the importance of intervention.
What Can Be Learned From This Tragic Incident?
- Prompt communication with authorities can be life-saving and aid in bringing perpetrators to justice.
- Awareness of domestic violence signs and substance abuse-related risks is crucial for community safety.
- Law enforcement agencies’ swift response, with SWAT assistance, prevented further potential harm.
What do you think about this case and the actions taken? Have you witnessed or intervened in situations of domestic violence? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
