On Sat., Jan. 31, 2015 at approximately 5:45 a.m., Marlon Faulkner (age 28 of Gold Canyon) and Amanda Granger (age 31 of Gold Canyon) forced their way into a residence in the 1400 block of East 29th Avenue, Apache Junction. Faulkner made entry into the residence by kicking in the front door. Suspect Faulkner was carrying a baseball bat and both he and suspect Granger proceeded to attack two guests inside of the residence (a male age 25 and a female age 24).
Faulkner struck the male in the head with the baseball bat and the two men fought briefly. The female guest attempted to pull Faulkner away from the victim, but Granger attacked her and the two females then became involved in a physical confrontation.
The male guest said he feared for their safety and he stabbed Faulkner in the neck and torso with a knife, which ended the fight. He received a deep laceration to the top of his head, from being struck with the baseball bat, requiring staples to close.
The female sustained facial contusions and marks on her neck from Granger choking her. She was able to bite the finger of Granger, which ended their physical confrontation.
Faulkner and Granger fled the residence in their vehicle and drove to a Circle K, located in the 2900 block of South Tomahawk. Deputies responded to the Circle K and Faulkner was transported to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for the injuries caused by the knife.
Detectives from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Bureau were called to investigate. Statements provided by the two guests and a separate witness were consistent with evidence at the scene. Granger gave conflicting statements and Faulkner claimed he had no recollection of the incident.
Amanda Granger was booked into the Pinal County Jail for Burglary and Aggravated Assault. She admitted to using methadone for her narcotic drug addiction. When released from the hospital, Marlon Faulkner will face the same charges.
Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “The victims and suspects in this case are past acquaintances. The victims told detectives that Faulkner has threatened to kill the male guest and he was afraid for his life. Detectives requested that Granger be held in custody and opposed her release. Court Commissioner Sylvia Lafferty once again let another violent felon out of custody on her own recognizance. Law enforcement and prosecutors will continue to do all we can to protect victims of crimes but Commissioner Lafferty continues to send a strong message regarding her lack of protection for victims of crimes.”