Man who called 911 to report girlfriend’s death arrested for her murder

MESA, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News) - An Arizona man who called 911 claiming he found his girlfriend unresponsive has been arrested and charged with her murder, police say.

Mesa Police say 37-year-old Kyle Collins called 911 Tuesday and told dispatchers he had returned home to find his girlfriend, 36-year-old Cierra Tellez, unresponsive. He said he was performing CPR while waiting for help to arrive.

Officers responded to the couple’s apartment complex in downtown Mesa just after 11 a.m., where they found Tellez dead.

Investigators said injuries found on Tellez, including bruises covering her body, prompted homicide detectives to respond to the scene.

Based on evidence collected at the scene, preliminary findings from the medical examiner and witness interviews, detectives developed probable cause to arrest Collins.

Collins was booked on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder.

Suspect appears in court

In his initial court appearance, prosecutors said Collins had a history of domestic violence.

“This was a very brutal and horrific murder,” the prosecutor said. “We believe that Mr. Collins is a very dangerous individual.”

Collins’ bond was set at $1.25 million cash only.

Victim’s family speaks

Tellez had two children, 12 and 15, who will now have to grow up without their mother, family members said.

“And Cierra’s mom has lost her only child. Cierra’s dad has lost his youngest daughter. They will never again experience the moments of love and joy of being with Cierra, all due to the tragic events caused by someone who supposedly ‘loved’ her,” said the victim’s family in a statement.

The family is now urging others to know the signs of domestic violence.

“If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, do all you can to get help or help get them out of the relationship, and keep them from going back,” the family said. “Abusers are often con artists and will coerce their victims into returning and returning and returning.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the 24-hour hotline at 800-799-7233.