Newly released details are shedding light on a deeply disturbing killing in Iowa, where a man is accused of planning and carrying out the fatal stabbing of his wife—allegedly in front of his own mother.

James Martin, 47, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Amber Martin, 41. He is currently being held in the Johnson County Jail on a $1 million bond.

According to a criminal complaint, investigators believe the attack was premeditated. Detectives allege that in the hours leading up to the killing on January 16, Martin formed a plan, retrieved a kitchen knife, and ambushed his wife as she exited a room inside their Coralville apartment. She was stabbed repeatedly.

Police were called to the residence on Spring Rose Circle around 6:40 a.m. for reports of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found Amber Martin suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

This week, authorities revealed a chilling new detail: Martin’s mother was allegedly inside the apartment during the attack and may have witnessed it unfold.

According to her account, she had come to the home around 1:00 a.m. because her son’s mental health was “spiraling.” She said she later woke up to noises and initially believed it was the family cat—until she heard a voice crying out, “help, help me.”

In the dark, she reportedly entered the area and saw her son stabbing his wife. She told investigators she rushed in and begged him to stop. After the attack, she was unable to locate her phone and asked him to call police.

When officers searched the apartment, they reported finding a bloody knife in the kitchen sink, along with blood smears and clothing stained with blood throughout the home.

According to investigators, Martin admitted to the killing. He allegedly told police he believed his wife was suffering and that their financial situation was beyond repair, claiming he acted to “put her out of her misery.”

Amber Martin worked as a medical laboratory scientist supervisor with the University of Iowa Health Care system. Colleagues described her as warm, intelligent, and deeply valued.

As the case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to focus on the alleged planning behind the attack—while the defense may center on Martin’s mental state in the hours leading up to the killing.