9 News exclusive: Neighbor said he heard entire argument leading up to Norwood woman's death

NORWOOD, Ohio - Norwood police have charged Jose Garcia Martinez, 31, with murder in connection with the death of his girlfriend, Gladis Son, also 31.

Martinez, who police say admitted to killing Son, appeared in court Wednesday morning where a judge set his bond at $1 million.

Police say they believe she may have been struck in the head with a statue and also possibly strangled.

More than 24 hours have gone by since Son's death, and next door neighbor Drew Freeman said the sounds of the fight are still echoing in his mind.

"Then I just heard loud screeches and was like somebody was being murdered, and was like, 'Oh man,' didn't know what to do at that point," Freeman said.

Freeman lives next door to the apartment on Montgomery Road where he said the couple argued Monday night.

"She was screaming, saying 'let go,' saying 'that hurts,' 'this isn't right, I didn't do this,'" he said.

A friend of the couple said they seemed to get along fine and they had a child together.

"They've been a couple that came through our office every year to file their taxes," the friend said. "They seemed to have gotten along pretty good. The little girl was the sweetest little girl."

The child was the main reason a family friend came by the apartment.

"I've known them since 2007 and am concerned they don't have family here," she said. "I'm worried about Lupita."

Bradley Pyles said Son worked at the Norwood Taco Bell, and visited her frequently. One time, he said he helped Martinez out with a favor.

"He was pretty cool, actually gave me 20 bucks, if I ever needed anything he said I could come back to him," Pyles said.

The Hamilton County Coroner's Office will determine the final cause of Son's death.

Police said the couple's daughter is staying with family.