I I wanted to talk to somebody and nobody would talk to me and I was like, "Please, please, please let me." And then at one point I just gave up and I just put my head down because I said, "At this point, >> it doesn't matter what I say, I'm already guilty because I'm in the back of the car and I was trying to tell them." On September 12th, 2020 in Rosenberg, Texas, Irene Banda was brought in for questioning in connection with the death of Romero Martinez, who had died as a result of gunshot wounds. Spoiler details are in the video description, and the full results of all charges in the case are laid out at the end of the video. >> Miss Martinez, you understand that you're you're not under arrest or anything like that, right? You understand that we just talk? >> At first I thought I was because when they put my handcuff the handcuffs on me and they bagged my back my >> your hands. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And and you understand why they did that? Uh because officers got a call about a a home invasion. They didn't know who's what, who did what, and they just got to assume that you're involved, right? Um and so because they didn't know, they do all these things. But um now that you're here now talking to us, I just want to make sure that you're clear that you're not under arrest. Um you're free to go and we just want to ask you what happened. That's it. And then once you tell us that, you'll be free to go and um get your insulin. Okay. Um Miss Irene, do you have a middle name? >> My real name is Irene Delion. My Irene and Dejon. >> Irene and Deon. Since I'm married, on my driver's license, like I was telling him, it's Irene Deion Martinez. >> Okay. What's uh you said you're married. What's your husband's name? >> Romero Martinez Jr. >> Romero Martinez. How old is Romero? >> 48. >> And how old are you? >> 54. Yes. No, not yesterday. >> Thursday. >> Okay. When's your birthday? >> 91066. Okay. Well, happy birthday. not too happy. >> And I'm sorry um that we have to talk under these circumstances, but it's very important that we get all this stuff out. Miss Irene, um do you live with just your husband or does somebody else live in that house? >> That's what I Everybody was asking. It's only me and him in the house. >> Okay. Okay. >> Because they were questioning the cars and I'm like, "Oh my god." Well, you know, these are standard questions that we have to ask because we don't know. We don't know you. We don't know what your living situation is. And usually, you know, um there might be kids in the home. We don't know. >> We don't have no more kids. I mean, well, we have kids, but we don't have them there at the house. >> Are they grown? >> Yes. Everybody's grown. >> How many kids do you have? >> The oldest one is 31 and the youngest is >> 22. >> 22. So, you have two. We have five together. >> Five? >> We never had any, but we've been married 20 years. >> Oh, okay. Okay. So, you have five kids in there. None of them leave at the house. >> No, ma'am. >> Okay. >> And you sure you don't want anything to drink or anything? >> No, I'm too cold. I don't know if it's um It's a little chilly in here. I don't know if it's only going to get sick or what. >> What happened to your arm? >> Um I felt I've messed it up six. I was telling them that I had paperwork at home. >> Oh, okay. >> Um I went to the med clinic right there and then from the med clinic I went to an orbeated doctor named Dr. Steve Nolan. >> Uhhuh. And um [snorts] my my t my tendons are messed up. That's why I can't fix it. But it's uh I can't have surgery because it's not a it's considered an elective surgery. It's not a a like you needed surgery. >> But you would think I need to put my arm straight. Um, so she's So, how long have you been married with Romero? >> It'll be 20 years. January 25th. >> 20 years. >> Right. Right now we're at 19 something some months. >> Okay. And how long have you and Romero lived at that house? >> Two years. >> And can you tell me the uh the address? >> Long time. 1813 Callaway Cole Court. >> And so before that, where did you live? >> On the road. >> What do you mean? >> Um we had a PO box in Sigin. >> Uhhuh. >> Um for like 5 years because we were working out of the refineries and we would travel all over. and he's a uh when we were traveling he was with Mistros first and then from Mistros he went to ALS and then from ALS he did one year and then we we he went to innovative plant consulting >> okay what does he do >> he is a turnaround manager >> okay and I'm not too familiar with that what is that >> he's a API Um, uh, okay. You have a refinery, right? >> Mhm. >> And you got vessels and drums and and tanks and everything that goes through the filtration. Well, when they clear all that out, he goes and inspects them. >> Oh, okay. Okay. And uh, do you work? >> Yes. >> Well, not right now, but Yes. >> What did you do before? I'm a my last job I was a um data entry for ACT. It's also from the refineries. >> Okay. >> And I was in Big Spring from January to February. >> And then this came about >> the Corona virus. >> Okay. >> So you so you've been laid off? >> Yes. >> And what about your husband? >> No. >> He's still working. >> Yes. >> Was he working locally or was he working? >> He works out of the office. Out of our house. Oh, okay. He was from home. >> Okay. Um, what um can you let's start with with today. Oh, when I say today, let's start with yesterday on September 11th. Um, can you tell me what you did from the time that you woke up, what time you woke up and everything that you did up until the police were called to your house? Oh jeez. >> And you can start with what time did you wake up? >> 4:30. >> 4:30. >> I was in Corpus. >> You were in Corpus. >> Yes ma'am. >> Okay. What were you? >> Cuz that's my hometown. >> What were you doing in Corpus visiting? >> Because my birthday was Thursday. >> Uh-huh. >> I um my mom has passed. My my brother has passed. My sister has passed. I went and put flowers on everybody as my birthday gift to myself. >> Okay. Did you go alone or >> Okay. What What vehicle did you drive? >> My truck. >> Which truck is that? >> The F-150 that they took. >> Okay. So, you were in your F150 this morning in Corpus. >> Um, and so you said you went to the uh cemetery. >> I went to two cemeteries because Not all my family's in one cemetery. >> My sister's in Memory Garden and my mom and my brother and my dad and my cousin. Well, my uncle was also with my sister in in Memory Garden. >> So, I went to that one and then I went to um Rose Hill. >> Okay. And you said you got flowers. >> Yeah. >> Did you buy the flowers there or did you go to like a flower shop? >> No, I've had them like when money allows cuz how it is. I buy a little bunch and then I buy a little bunch and then I buy a little bunch and then finally I bought enough to take to everybody, >> but I started buying like in May. >> Okay. So, you went to which funeral? I'm sorry. Which cemetery did you go to first? >> I went to my sister's on it old Bronzeville Road in Sarah Saratoga. Old Bronzeville Road. And if you keep on going all the way down there, um there's the cemetery. It's like really far. It's not in town. It's like a little a little ways out there. >> Okay. And you say you went by yourself? >> Yeah. Well, I went to go spend the night with my with my sister-in-law, which she's my she's my sister-in-law. My brother passed, >> so my nephew went with me >> to go put flowers. >> What's your nephew's name? >> Anastasio. >> Okay. So, you and Anastasio went to the funeral to the cemetery. >> Yeah, we went to my sister's first and then um they were cutting the grass, so we decided to come back. So, I went So, we left there and we went to we got back on the freeway, got off on on a Agnes and took that straight till I got into till I got to um port and then I went to the cemetery cuz Rogues Hill is on poor Well, the back end of the cemetery. Good lord. I I don't even know the I know how to get there. >> Yeah, that's all right. Um, did you stop anywhere else between the two cemeteries? Okay. Um, and how long run around what time were you done or how long were you there? >> Cuz I take a little time. I pray and stuff. So 12:30 almost 1. I don't know. I didn't keep track >> in the afternoon. >> But I left since Wednesday. >> Okay. So, you went Wednesday to Corpus Christi. Yes. To your sister-in-laws. >> Yes. But I have I visited Oh, my family, too. >> Okay. >> I went to go see my uncle Robert. Sorry. Went to go see my sister-in-law, my nephew, my cousin Paty, her daughter Bri. I was trying to see as many people as I could on my birthday, dead or alive. >> Okay. Um, is there a reason why your husband didn't go with you to on your birthday? >> Because he works out of the house. >> Oh, okay. So, he was busy with Yeah. I didn't get in a fight or anything. >> No. Okay. >> He um he he's been at the house for the past since he started with ALS. He became a a guy that works out of his house. >> You know, there ain't no other way to say it, but he works out of the house. >> Okay. So, >> okay. So, you said that you were done at the second cemetery between 12:00 and 1. Is that correct? >> Something like that. Yeah. >> So, what did you do after? >> Today? No, yesterday on my birthday. >> After you left. >> Oh, I went to go pick up my birthday cake >> at Janet's bakery on Everheart >> in Corpus Christie. Mhm. >> Okay. So, you picked up your birthday cake and then where'd you go? to the house to go eat it. >> And were you still by yourself? Were you with your nephew? >> No, my nephew was with me. >> Your nephew was with you. Okay. So, you and your nephew go from the cemetery to the bakery, pick up your cake, and then go back to his house? >> Yes. >> Okay. And then what time was that? >> God lord, I don't even remember. I really wasn't keeping track of time. >> Well, were you were you there long at the bakery or was it a pretty quick visit? Well, I I looked at some cookies and we picked up some cookies, too. So, after that, we left, like I said, cuz since I'm a diabetic, I had to go home and eat. >> Okay. So, um did y'all have a party or did y'all just have the cake? >> No, no, no. It was just me, his mom, and just us three. >> Okay. Um, and then what time did that finish or what did you do next? I went to go see my brother for a little bit, my son, and then from that one, I went to my cousin Pats and my uncle Robert, and I saw them about Paty gets home at 5:15. So I saw her about maybe 5:55 or something like that. But I when I went to go see her, I didn't really I mean I guess I don't realize now how much time you have to a lot or now we're counting by minutes. >> Well, no, I'm just trying to get an approximate, you know, trying to trying to figure out everything that you did that day. It's not, it doesn't have to be exact. I don't expect, nobody really checks their clock and, you know, to see or their watch to see what time exactly they're talking to somebody. But you kind of know, you know, is there daylight out? Was it after lunch? Was it, you know, that sort of thing. >> In between there, it was still daylight when I left there >> and I went back to my sister-in-law's. >> Okay. Um, so you're after you visited all these people, you visited them again, but was that the first time you visited them? because you said that you visited them that Wednesday. >> No, Wednesday. I only I was supposed to go for a job interview and I missed that. Um I was all gagging around talking to my sister-in-law and stuff and my brother and I just lost time. >> Okay. So you visited your family members on Thursday after 5ish you said. >> Well yeah >> and then what time what did you do after that after you visited everybody? >> We ate >> you ate dinner. >> Mhm. >> Where did y'all eat dinner? >> At home I wanted a sloppy joe but with >> you say home you come your house here or your house over there? My sister-in-law's house. >> Your sister-in-law's house. >> I I'm sorry. I just call it home because that's my hometown. >> That's all right. Um, do you remember what time that was when y'all had dinner? >> Was it still light outside? >> No, that was late. >> Okay. >> Probably around I'm going to say 8. >> Okay. >> I don't really know. >> So, what time did you go to bed? >> About 10:30, 11ish. >> And you slept at your sister-in-law? >> Mhm. >> Both nights. >> Okay. So, then let's talk about Friday. What time did you wake up? >> 1:30. 4:30. And then what did you do? >> I got ready and then I got on the road >> and then um I stopped in Rafuio at McDonald's to get me a a little burger and or um a griddle and a coffee. >> Do you remember what time around what time you hit the road? around 5 >> 5 a.m. >> So I stopped there and then coming home I stopped at Hillg and I used the bathroom cuz me being a diabetic I have to go to the bathroom and I came to Warden and I stopped at Bies and I went to the bathroom >> and then I made it to town around 8:30. >> Okay. Um and when you made it to town, where did you go? home >> to 1813 Kelly. >> Yes, ma'am. Who was home when you got there? >> My husband. >> Okay. Uh, was there anything out of the norm? >> No, I know that I had to hurry up and come back home because he had an appointment in Alvin to take his grandmother's car. Um the cars right now at Deon's son's auto parts or whatever it is. Um >> his grandmother's car or his car? >> His grandmother's car. >> It was broken and we he had to take it over there to get it fixed and it's electrical problem. >> Okay. So, um what time do you think you made it home by? You know what time it was? You said you made it into town around 8ish. Well, around 8:30 and then I want to say around 11:30 or 12. We were at uh Waterburger on 36. Is that 36 to buy the Lowe's? >> When you say we, who? >> Me and my husband. >> Okay. So, you went home and then y'all went to Waterburg. Well, he he goes, "Do you want to cook or do you want to go and get something to eat so we can hurry up and go get the car?" Because we had to go, we had an appointment. He had he had an appointment to go take the car to be assessed. Um, so after we ate, we headed to Alvin or to our storage, picked up the car, and then we went to the Deion's Transmission Shop, I guess. >> Okay. Where's your storage at? >> Alvin >> in Alvin, Texas. >> Yes. >> Okay. Do you know what it's called? >> More Space. >> Do you happen to know the address or roundabout where it's at? I know it's on Callaway. It's Callaway. It's I remember it because it's our some of our street name. It's Callaway. >> Okay. >> Street. >> And it's called More Storage. >> More Storage. >> Like M O R E or M R E. >> Like the last name or like >> No. Uh No, no, no, no, no, no. Like the last name. M O R M O R E. >> Okay. Um, so y'all went to the stores to pick up the car? >> Yes, ma'am. So you drove what vehicle did y'all take over there? >> His grandmother's car. >> But driving to the storage? >> His truck. >> His truck. And which one's his truck? >> The big F2 or F350 that was outside in front of my yard. >> Okay. So y'all y'all both were in that car? Yes, ma'am. >> It's a storage. And then he drives >> his grandmother's car cuz I wasn't going to drive that when he was the the brakes are not good. >> Okay. Okay. And then you drove the truck. >> Yes. >> Okay. And then y'all went to >> Deon's Deion and Son's I don't know. It's either transmission or >> Is it there in Alvin? >> Yes. >> Is it a friend of yours or did you >> No, no, no. He googled it. >> Okay. >> It's um It was two miles. It's right around two miles from our storage, so it wasn't very far. That's why he picked it. Okay. Um, so do you happen to remember what time that was? I wish I would have brought my purse. I could have showed you the receipt of the water burger. >> That would have that would have gave me a better idea of what time >> what the receipt from Waterburg. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> Because they told us that if we called, you get a free water burger, >> like a survey or something. Okay. Um then after you take the car to the mechanic shop, um were y'all there long? um like about maybe like 15 minutes or so cuz he had to go in there and talk to the guy and then they came outside, looked at the car and assisted and then he came he came back and he gave the guy the keys. >> Okay. And then y'all left. >> Yes. >> Where did you come back home? >> Here in Rosenberg >> to Rosenberg. >> Okay. Do you remember around what time y'all got here? Was there still light out? >> What was on TV? Kind of. >> Man, I wish I had my purse cuz then I have my HB receipt. I went to go pick up shrimp and chicken. >> So, y'all stop by HB before >> No, no, no, no. We came home. I went to HB. >> Okay. So, y'all get home and your husband stays home and you go to HB. >> I we he had to go two places and I don't remember where. So, I didn't we since I had my vehicle, he took off because I had to go do for for dinner. >> Okay. So, y'all took off separately. Him and his F350 and you and your Ford. >> My truck. >> Okay. >> I was going to try to remember which one cuz sometimes I take the Cadillac, the car. >> But you're sure that you took your truck? >> No. Yes, ma'am. I am sure I took my truck. >> Okay. And you went after y'all got home, you went to HV? Yes, ma'am. >> Did you go anywhere else? And how long were you at HB? Was it a quick trip? Was it a long trip? >> Maybe like 20 minutes because I had to wait for somebody to help me with cuz there was some people at the counter and there was only like two people um behind the counter giving out fish and shrimp at the seafood market. So, I want to say I was in HB about 20 30 minutes. >> Okay. >> Cuz then I got chicken and then I got ginger and stuff like that for like I said, I wish I had my receipts so I could tell you what I really got because I don't >> That's all right. >> I'm not trying to but like I said, I I'm real bad with time. That's why I keep my receipts so I know more or less what I do. >> Okay. Um, so you picked up stuff for dinner? >> Yes, ma'am. >> And then you left HD. Did you go anywhere else? Stop by a pharmacy or >> No, I need my medicine and the line was too long cuz I need my lantis and my trulity, but it myies there at HV. I just didn't even I just I said I would do it another day >> because I need my refills already. >> And which HB did you go to? >> The one in town. >> Well, it's called I think Richmond. >> Yeah. >> You crossed the the railroad tracks. We're in Richmond. >> So, it's that one right there behind the shell >> by Brazes Town Center. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. And after you went there, you went straight home, you said? >> Yes, ma'am. Um, was your husband home when you got there? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, did he say anything to you? >> Uh, no. >> Besides what time is dinner? >> Okay. Um, so then what did you do? >> Started cleaning the shrimp. >> And chopping up the chicken because I was going to make fresh fried chicken fried rice. And then I made Asian medalleyly shrimp. I mean, if you go through our trash, you'll see the bags there. Um, that's what I did. And it took me a little bit because since I was making two separate meals, I was trying to chop everything and grate the ginger and Oh my god. Okay. So, did y'all eat dinner then? >> Um, around 5 was after 5:30 cuz I was behind on a couple of minutes, maybe around 5:50, 5:45, I don't know. Okay. Um, after dinner, what did what did you do or what did he do? >> I he went to his office. I cleaned the kitchen and um took out the meal I mean took out the leftovers, put them in canisters. >> Mhm. >> Um so I can we can have leftovers. >> Okay. Um he went to the office you said. >> Was he still working or he was just >> I don't know and I didn't ask. >> What time does he usually work when he works from home? whatever time he answers emails and whatnot. >> Okay. He doesn't have like a set schedule 8 to 5 kind of thing. He works at his desk. >> He is salary. So basically you have to work. >> Okay. So just whenever he he wants to he goes in there and gets on his computer. >> Yes ma'am. >> Okay. And you said you were cleaning stuff up in the kitchen, putting stuff away. Um what else happened after that? Let me rephrase that. How long was he in his office working? I never pay attention after dinner cuz our usual routine is we eat sometimes in between 7:30 and 5:30 depending on when when what he's doing. And um sorry um what did you do after you put everything away and cleaned up the kitchen? >> I went to the room >> to your bedroom. >> Yes, ma'am. He was already out of the shower, so I went in. I took a shower. Okay. So, he at some point went and took a shower, >> right? >> Okay. I mean, when you went in the room, he was coming out of the shower or he was already out? >> He was already out. >> Okay. Was he dressed? >> He never dresses. He just has to tell. >> Okay. Is that how he normally sleeps? >> Okay. And so, >> not me. >> Everybody has their own routine. There's nothing wrong with it. It's your home. >> I wear clothes. He doesn't. Yeah. And some people feel more comfortable that way. Um, and that's all right. So, he was he was in bed or where was he at in the room? >> Um, when I went in? >> Yeah. When you walked in, what was he? >> He was messing around on his nightstand and taking the pillows off the bed. >> Okay. >> Cuz we have when I make the bed, we have those the pretty pillows or whatever decorative >> ones, whatnot. >> Okay. So he was taking like he was getting ready to lay down maybe. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then you said you went in to take a shower. >> Took a shower. >> Okay. And then you took a shower and came back out. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And then what happened? >> And then we were watching The Good Wife on not regular TV, but like um he has we have like Zeon or Zion streaming. >> Yes. >> Okay. Were y'all in bed watching together or were you on the couch or >> still in the bedroom? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And then what happened? >> And then he fell asleep and it was 8:15 and I'm like, "It's too early." So he's like, "You need to get out of here cuz I had the TV on." And I'm like, "Well, just roll over." And I said, "You know what? let me just go to the living room. So that's what I did. I went to the living room and I was watching um Golden Girls and then um I flipped from Golden Girls to the proposal. In the proposal I flipped to like speed then from speed I don't remember I was surfing the so I watched like two three minutes of one two three minutes of another and just >> kept on flipping through the TV and then what happened >> and Then later on, man, how long was I talking to the TV? After that, I heard a knock on the door. I don't even know what time. It's after 10:30, I think, because I'm watching um Golden Girls and Golden Girls lays a little late. After that, the nightmare began. So, you said you heard a knock on the door. Um, what kind of knock was it? Was it like just a regular knock or like Okay. And so what did you do? >> Well, it startled me. I got up and I went to go look and excuse my language. My dumb ass opened the door. >> Okay. Do you have a peepphole or a window? >> No. >> Didn't you I know you were there. It's a clear door. Well, not clear. Clear, but like it's not even frosty. >> It has glass. Yes. >> Your door has glass. So you look through there. >> Mhm. >> And what did you see when you looked through the glass? >> Well, I saw a guy and but now that everybody has to wear this crap. >> Mhm. >> I didn't know who he was. Well, then I was like, man, maybe he needs help or something because I'm um I'm on that neighborhood app. No, no, no, no. the neighborhood app that um >> is it next door? >> How' you know? >> It's usually the neighborhood apps. >> Okay. I was in that app. >> Mhm. >> And um you know, people always watch out and you know, sometimes there there was a red car and then we all keep up. There was a old lady that was lost in the neighborhood. >> Mhm. um a while back or not too long, but I posted that I went through my cold sack and you know looked for the lady. Um, I have that posting on on on that one that they did and um, you know, I thought it was somebody because I guess I look too much to that neighborhood thing or that nextdoor neighbor and you know, if you can help your neighbor, help your neighbor. That's the way I was raised. And that's so a lot of us always post this or that. I don't post. I I just answer. I never post anything. I'll answer hello or you know I'll greet somebody new in the neighborhood. >> So you when you looked out you saw a guy. >> Mhm. >> And how did you know it was a guy? >> Because he had a cap. >> A cap? Like a Can you describe it? Was it like a baseball cap? >> A baseball cap. >> But I didn't have my glasses on. >> Okay. >> Because I had my glasses on the couch and he found my glasses. He can talk. I didn't have them on. Okay. So, he had a cat >> and I thought, "Oh my god." And the next door uh the next door neighbors and everything. I said, "Man, I wonder if something happened." >> Could you see if he was wearing a mask? >> No, he was. >> Do you remember what color the mask was? >> Black. >> Black. What color was the hat? >> Black. >> Black. >> Did he have um could you see his eyes? Could you see any skin at all? Give me a moment. Or maybe hair underneath his hat. Could you see maybe around his ears? Like >> black hair. >> Black hair. Um >> I'm assuming. But yeah, black hair. >> Okay. And so that's what you did. You see anything else when you look through the door? >> No. Do you see maybe what what he was wearing down here? A shirt or was it collar? >> Black t-shirt. >> Black t-shirt. Okay. Um, do you remember if you could see his neck or his shoulders? Could you see if he was if he was light skinned, if he was dark skinned? Maybe like I don't even know. I know he was darker than me. >> Okay. So, definitely not a white person. >> No. >> Okay. Maybe maybe Hispanic. Maybe African-Amean. Be careful with those words now. >> Even [clears throat] say anything. Um, >> well, I'm just trying to get you to describe what you saw. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um, >> I'm so scared to say stuff like that. >> If you don't know, I don't want you to guess. I want you to tell me what you remember. So, if you don't if you don't know, then tell me. >> Yeah. And if I would have had my glasses on, but >> Okay. >> I didn't have my glasses on because to watch the big TV, I don't need my glasses. It's just when you know it was dark and >> so it could have it could have been somebody lighter. You just couldn't tell or I mean are how sure are you that it was somebody darker than you >> when I turned on the light by accident. >> Okay. So So let's back up. You hear the knock. >> You go to the door. >> Yeah. >> And you turn on the light. >> I turned on the light inside the house. But not outside, >> right? >> Was there a light on outside? >> Yeah, the lamp post. >> Okay. So, you looked out and you see a guy wearing a mask. >> And a mask. Both black and a black t-shirt. Do you see anything else? Any tattoos? Any earrings? Any scars? Glasses? You know, I think they should make us not wear this crap because now you can't even tell what people look like. So, what happens next after you look through the door? Yeah. Pushed me in and he told me to get on the ground and um I sat on the ground and he's all, "Who's here with you?" And I said, "My husband. He's asleep. Where is he?" I said he's way back in the in the other part of the house cuz it's a little ways from the front part to the back part. Then he saw the safe and he's open up the safe right now. And I'm like, I don't have the keys. He goes, I know you have the keys. He pulled my hair. So at that point, my stupid husband left the keys right there on top of the safe. But since I couldn't open the safe, he had to open it because I can't um the door's too heavy for me to to open. I backed up. I don't know what he got in there because I don't know what my husband has in there and that's a need to know basis and I don't ask and I don't want to know. So, I don't know what's was in the safe because I'm not my husband doesn't like for me to mess with his stuff. So, um I don't even know. Did they take his watches? My husband had the bad habit of leaving all the watches right there on the little TV stand. >> I'm not sure. Um, but keep keep going. So, so the guy you said pushes you. So, you unlock the door or did he push open the door? >> No, he pushed open the door. >> So, you never unlocked it? >> No, I I opened it a little bit and then that was it. >> And then he pushed >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. And when he comes inside the house, what does he do? >> Tells me to sit on the ground. >> To sit on the ground. Does he tell you anything else? >> Um, he just looked and he went inside the first room. in the first room is my husband's office. >> Okay. Did he ask you anything? >> Uh he asked me um what was in the safe? And I said, "I didn't know." >> Okay. >> And he goes, "Well, why don't you know?" And I said, "I that's my husband's stuff and I don't mess with it." And um he asked me, "What valuables are in there?" I said, "I don't know. Um my husband's real strict with me kind of. He like it's a need to know basis. So whatever I don't even mess with it. So I don't ask I don't tell I don't that's so I don't know what was in the safe. >> So he asked you what valuables are in the safe and you said I don't. >> And he thought I was lying and that's when he pulled my hair but I really don't know what's in the safe. >> So how did he pull your hair from the back? >> Yeah. because I was going to turn around to try to run, but that didn't work. >> Okay. Um, when he walked in your house, when he pushed open the door and walked in, were you able to look at him better? >> A little bit. I know he's darker than me, but I didn't have my glasses on to be able to to >> Okay, that's all right. >> to tell. >> Could you tell if he was wearing pants, shorts? [snorts] >> He was wearing jeans. >> Jeans. Blue jeans. blue jeans and don't ask me the shoes. >> Okay. But but he was wearing some kind of shoe maybe with it. Could you tell if it were like tennis shoes or boots? >> I didn't pay attention. I was in >> Okay. Okay. But for sure jeans. Blue jeans. Okay. And how tall would you say he was? >> Taller than me. >> Taller than you? >> Yes, ma'am. >> How much taller than you? >> Can I stand up? >> Yes, ma'am. You can stand up. Maybe like this. >> Okay. So, I don't know how tall that is. >> Okay. Well, that gives us an idea. Um, so you said he pulled your hair. >> Yeah. And he told me to sit down on the ground and not to move. >> Okay. And um he had something in his pocket and I was like trying to see what it was. Sorry when I get nervous. I I was trying to see what he was what he had, you know, to see any detail that I could tell. But had a black cap and a black shirt and a black mask and blue [clears throat] jeans. And I didn't have I didn't look at his shoes. I didn't even dare to even look at his shoes. >> Okay. So, when he pulled your hair, you said he told you to sit down? >> Yes, he told me to sit down because um he was going through he was shuffling through the through the office through the the drawer. >> Mhm. >> There. And I know my hus my husband has a gun there and he took that one. >> Okay. Like a handgun, >> I guess. >> Like a like a small gun or >> No, no, no. He has a small gun. But don't ask me what it is. >> Okay. >> We would have to look at my husband's inventory and I don't know where that's at because that's a need to know basis and I never know what's there. >> But you have seen a gun in that drawer before. >> No, I knew there was a gun. Do you know at least if it was maybe like a revolver type of gun or just >> No, it's a gun gun. >> Okay. >> Um, do you know what color? Maybe. >> No. God, >> it's okay if you don't. >> I don't know, ma'am. >> So, that's why I said we would have to get into his computer and hopefully he has a um an inventory because I have no freaking clue. I'm not allowed in his office and I'm not allowed, you know, in certain rooms. That's just because that's his space. >> So, what were you doing when he was when the guy was going through that drawer? >> Sitting very nice and quietly. >> Okay. Was he saying anything? >> No. >> Okay. What did he do next? After that, he's he went down the hall and um he told me to come with him and the door was closed in the gun room and um he opened it and lo and behold, he started he was looking at stuff. But before that, he had went down. There was another guy with them and they went down to they were looking at at stuff. I don't know just in the hallway in that first room and they turned on the other light to the to the I have I have two full rooms of sanitizer >> and um they shut the room. They didn't go in. They turned on the light and then they just turned it off and then um they went towards the other at this point they're telling me just stand right there and I was like yes sir and um they didn't go just they I don't know what they were looking for to be honest and um he asked me was there more guns and I'm like how many more do you want? That room is full of it. I don't know what my husband has in there neither, but I've taken pictures of it when he wasn't there. But it's it's I I don't stay in there very long, you know. >> So, okay. So, at what point does this other person come in? >> I don't remember. I When we were walking to the other to the to the gun Well, I call it the gun. He came in, but I didn't pay attention. And he was wearing a black shirt and a black cap and a black mask. And I'm like, great. [snorts] So, there was two. And at that point, I knew it wasn't going to end well for me. >> Okay. So, where where did this other guy go? >> They wouldn't talk. They were just like, you know, they they looked at each other >> like motioning with their eyes. >> Yeah. Like, >> okay. >> And I was like, and the honorary he's like, "Don't get too close to me." That was all I was thinking. I got I don't got my glasses so I really can't describe you anyway because you know number one you got your hat down low your bill and you got you know whatot. So at that point they went into one of them stayed right there in that hallway looking at me. Went in there to my birthday. Okay. Then what happened? I don't know what happened. I just heard a struggle. And I know my husband has a a gun in his nightstand. And don't ask me what it is neither. My husband has so many guns. >> So when you say you heard a struggle, what what did you hear? Did you hear people? They were wrestling and I could hear my husband say, "No, motherfucker." And excuse my language. And at that point, I just heard pop. That was it. And I think I blanked out because I don't I don't know. I don't know what happened. I didn't go near there. They told me to sit down on the floor in the living room. That's where I sat. They told me not to move. And since he had some guns of my husband, I really wasn't going to move cuz some of them are loaded. So, I just stayed there. And And where exactly were you were they where did they have you sitting? >> In front of the TV. >> In the living room. >> Yes, ma'am. On the floor. >> Okay. So when they walked in, you were at the entryway, right? >> Right. >> When one of those guys walked in, >> right? >> And then he told you to sit right there or did he tell you to go in the living room? No. >> They wanted to keep me uh eye on me and um he told me to sit right there in front of the my husband's office and that's where I sat down. >> Okay. In front of your husband's office. And then when they got up, when he moved to the other room down that hallway, he went in there and I don't know what he grabbed or what he did. He was just grabbing stuff and like I said, I don't know what my husband has. >> So when he went to that other room, where were you? >> Standing right there in the hallway. He wanted to keep an eye out an eye on me. So, did he tell you to stand up because you were sitting? >> Oh, well, I went with him. We went to the He told me to get up and we went to the hallway. >> Okay. >> And um he says, "What's in there?" And I was like, "I don't know. I know what was in there." But I wasn't going to tell him. >> My husband has shitload of crap in there. >> And I was like, "Oh my god." I said, >> "So, while he's in there going, >> he's just looking." Yeah. He's looking and grabbing standing right there at the door >> of the room that he was going through. >> Yeah. And I I put my head down because I didn't want to >> I didn't want to look what he was getting. I know he grabbed a couple of them, I think, and that was it. I don't know what else he grabbed or what he grabbed. And you know, I always warned my husband about all that [ __ ] So, he finishes going through all that stuff and then what happens or what does he say to you? He says, "Let's go over there. Where's who else is here?" I said, "I said, I told you my husband. Where is he?" I said, "He's in the bedroom." "Well, where's your bedroom?" And I was all and he said, "If you don't tell me, I'll shoot you right now." Like, great. Said, "It's at the end of the hallway." And um then the other guy's there and they're he's looking at me and he went inside and after that I don't know I just put my head down and I just I didn't even want to know what was going to go on. When I did I I could hear my husband muffling. That's when I I I opened my ear so I could hear what he said. So, which one of the guys went to the back bedroom and which one did one stay with you? >> Yes. The second one that came in stayed with me? The first one was the aggressive one. >> So, the first one, the one that went into the fir the office and then went into the second room >> left you with the second guy and goes to the back bedroom. >> Right. Well, my room it's right there where the living room is, you know. So it's not like at this point we're already on the other side of the house. >> Okay. So they took you to the living room after they after he ransacked the room with the guns. He walks you to the living room or how do you get to the living room? How do you get >> Well, they tell me to follow. He says, "Walk in front of me." He says, "And sit down on the floor." Said, "Yes, sir." >> Okay. >> So Okay. And just to be clear, the guys were they were wearing black shirts, you said, but they were were they long sleeves or short sleeves. Lord, don't get me lying right now. I wish that officer would have interviewed me when I wanted to talk. Okay. Well, if you remember, then just let me know, okay? I know this is a lot and you you've been through a lot. >> And I told him that I wanted to talk earlier because since I'm a diabetic, I get jittery >> and I wanted to talk, but everybody stepped cuffed me and threw me in the car. And then somebody, >> wasn't there a truck there? I said, "I told the first guy that there was some that my truck was missing. I told him, but [snorts] at that point, it's like I was guilty and I was trying to tell everybody that my truck was missing." Well, what happened to the vehicle right here? And I said, "I told one of the guys, but I don't know which one I told." And sorry, I want you to understand that we we understand that you're going through a lot right now, but you have to see things from the police perspective. Okay? They get to a scene where somebody's just been shot. >> I know >> they have to make sure that that scene is safe. Okay? >> Maybe because I know myself and I'm a diabetic. I was like, >> "Please get my information right now." Because it was so fresh in my mind. >> And I was when he asked me a couple of times, I said, "Yes." Yes. I said, "But I don't know." Cuz they were Well, your phones. I said, "The other one of the guys took it." I said, "I don't know who who took it." I was confused cuz so many of them One took my picture and the other was putting the thing is tight as crap. >> Mhm. >> And I I wanted to talk to somebody and nobody would talk to me. And I was like, "Please, please, please let me." And then at one point I just gave up and I just put my head down because I said at this point >> it doesn't matter what I say I'm already guilty because I'm in the back of the car and I was trying to tell them >> you were here right now telling us what happened. Okay. And we're going to go through. >> But I wanted to tell them like right then and there. >> I understand that. But but you have to understand as well that we have procedures in place. Okay. We got to make sure that our officers are safe and that the people that did this aren't still in your house. They got to make sure they go in there and clear it and make sure that the people with the guns are gone. Okay. And if they're not gone that they're arrested and until they do that >> and it just felt so it felt it felt like I was being cuz they were like and what vehicle and I was like my truck. I told two guys at first that my truck they took my truck and they kind of like dismissed it and I was like right I just wanted to stay calm and so I don't lose it and cuz losing it is going to be just another I wish somebody would have listened to Well, Miss, we will we will go over all the details of your story and make sure that we get everything. Okay. Because even the littlest detail that you tell us might be important. Okay. So, we want to make sure we get everything. >> Yeah. Because then one of the cops was like, "Well, where did they get the keys?" >> Excuse my language. I was thinking [ __ ] is when you walk in, all of our keys are like right there. >> Okay. How many vehicles do you own? The four that sit the four that sit right there. My truck, the Cadillac, the Escalade, and the Mustang or mine. He's this co this co-signer, but I'm the first one on the thing. >> His truck, I think I'm the second secondary and he's the first one. >> Okay. >> And then he has a car for his mom that he pays. >> Okay. But that's in Centon, Texas. And then Lafayette, we have another truck that him and my son, my stepson share uh signatures, but I don't know who's first or second on on the note on that one. >> Okay. >> So, we have if you Google or not Google, but like if you bring up the there's a lot of vehicles. >> Okay. Let's talk about the vehicles that normally are parked at that residence. Oh, all five. >> Okay. The Cadillac. There's two Cadillacs, right? >> There's the >> Cadillac STS or CT 6 turbo, whatever. >> What color is that one? >> Like black, gray. >> Okay. >> And then the gray Escalade. >> Okay. >> And then the bullet. >> Okay. >> And then my truck. >> The bullet is the Mustang. Yes, ma'am. It's a bullet. >> And then your your Ford >> My Ford F-150. >> And that's my work truck. >> That's gray, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. And your husband's truck? >> Yeah. >> Which is the 350? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, those vehicles are parked at your >> time. >> Okay. Uh, prior to to this, my truck and my husband's truck has been messed with. If you look at my husband's truck, the handle is messed up. And on my truck, of course, you can't see it, but mine, like somebody has tried to get into our vehicles before. >> How long ago was that? Marshall's vehicle that our next door neighborh they tried to get inside his truck as well and I forgot who else in the neighborhood said that it's it's been to where oh I'm far I'm sorry you asked me when when >> when was that damage to your vehicles? Is it a couple weeks ago? A couple months ago? Is it recently? A couple days ago? >> It's like a couple of months ago. One happened like in June and then another one happened again in July. >> Okay. >> Or August, close to August, cuz I had already come back from Disney World. >> Okay. Oh, >> but if you look at my husband's vehicle, you can tell where it's messed up. >> All right. >> And yeah, we didn't report it because it was >> nothing was taken. >> No, they didn't get in. You just It's just messed up. >> Okay. >> Miss, are you sure you don't need any water or anything to You need like a snack or something to eat? I know you have diabetes, so you Okay. Okay. Um, give me just a couple minutes. I'm going to step out for a second. In the 2020 Rosenberg, Texas case, Irene Banda was charged with capital murder, later resolved as murder, in the death of Romero Martinez. On dates in mid August 2026 in the 434th District Court, Irene Bander pleaded guilty to and was convicted of murder. On the sentencing date in mid August 2026, Irene Banda was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after serving 30 years flat time. As of the most recent verified information, August 2026 announcements, Irene Banda is serving her life sentence.