Palm Springs Man To Stand Trial For Murder

A 42-year-old man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and dumping her body in a Palm Springs field must stand trial on a murder charge, a judge ruled today.

Ron Martinez is charged in the March 9, 2007, death of Karyn Kleine, whose partially buried remains were found the following September in the dirt field by a man walking his dog.

Kleine was first reported missing March 10, 2007. Martinez, who was arrested Nov. 15, 2008, in Nevada, is being held at the Indio jail.

Evidence was found inside Kleine’s car linking Martinez to her disappearance, officials said.

Police say Martinez quit his job and left the area a short time after Kleine’s disappearance.

Kleine’s body was found Sept. 21, 2007, in a dirt field northwest of Farrell Drive and Tachevah Road in Palm Springs. Her body was partially buried, and was found by a resident who was walking his dog.

Officials said they found evidence of foul play at the scene.

Police and prosecutors would not reveal how Kleine died.

Authorities located Martinez in Arizona last December and questioned him. At that time, officials said he gave them conflicting statements and denied having been in Kleine’s vehicle.

Police believe Martinez and Kleine broke up about two weeks before she was reported missing.

Kleine’s neighbors told police that the couple would often get into very loud arguments.