Coralville, Iowa – Police in eastern Iowa have arrested a 47-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his wife, a respected medical scientist, inside their home after allegedly planning the attack in advance. Authorities say the victim, Amber Nicole Martin, was killed with a knife taken from the couple’s own kitchen. Details of the case were first reported by People and later confirmed through court filings and local reporting.
Victim Identified as University of Iowa Health Care Scientist
The Coralville Police Department said officers responded to a 911 call around 6:40 a.m. on Friday, January 16, reporting a possible stabbing at a residence in Coralville.
Inside the home, officers found Amber Nicole Martin, 41, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Amber worked as a medical laboratory scientist supervisor of microbiology at University of Iowa Health Care. She was widely respected for her leadership and professional expertise.
Husband Charged With First-Degree Murder
Police arrested Amber’s husband, James Fuller Martin, 47, who has since been formally charged with first-degree murder, according to reporting by The Gazette.
Investigators say James admitted to stabbing his wife after spending hours planning how to carry out the killing. Court documents indicate he told police that he retrieved a kitchen knife and surprised Amber as she exited another room inside their home.
As of Tuesday, January 20, authorities had not disclosed a motive for the killing. Plea and attorney information for James Martin was not immediately available.
Timeline of the Fatal Stabbing
According to police reports, officers were dispatched after receiving emergency calls early Friday morning. When they arrived, Amber was unresponsive and had sustained multiple stab wounds.
James allegedly told investigators that he had deliberately waited for the moment to attack, stating he surprised his wife during the early morning hours. The medical examiner has not yet released full autopsy findings.
Colleagues Remember Amber as a Dedicated Leader
Amber had previously worked at Quincy Medical Group, where she served as Microbiology Coordinator. James Martin was also listed online as having worked at the same organization as a Hematology Coordinator.
Amber’s former supervisor, Connie Floerchinger, described her as an exceptional professional and leader.
“She was a very good leader and fit into our team very quickly,” Floerchinger told People. “Our technologists all thought very highly of her.”
Floerchinger recalled a recent moment that reflected Amber’s personality, saying Amber once gave her a heart-shaped hand gesture while discussing future leadership plans.
“That was Amber in a nutshell,” she said.
Another former colleague, Ann Ostermiller, spoke to Muddy River News, describing Amber as vibrant and deeply loved by coworkers.
“Amber was such a wonderful woman. She was vivacious, kind, and loved by all her coworkers,” Ostermiller said.
She added that James Martin was quieter and more reserved, and expressed disbelief over the crime.
“They seemed to be such a close and loving couple. I cannot imagine what transpired to change their relationship so much.”
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Police say the investigation into Amber Martin’s death is active and ongoing. Authorities are asking anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or who may have relevant information to contact the Coralville Police Department at (319) 248-1800.
Representatives for Coralville Police, University of Iowa Health Care, and Quincy Medical Group declined or did not respond to requests for comment. Us Weekly reported it was also unable to reach officials for additional statements.
Further court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
