MARANA, AZ – The conviction of a 30-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend and her dog has brought a high-profile case in southern Arizona to a close, following a disturbing series of events that unfolded last July.
Taton Dorfman was found guilty on Wednesday of second-degree murder for killing Hannah Rogers, 30, at a home on West Mosquito Drive. The violent incident occurred on the night of July 28, 2024, shocking residents in the quiet Marana neighborhood, which is situated roughly 20 miles northwest of Tucson.
Investigators say that Dorfman shot Rogers in the head, inflicting a fatal wound. Authorities also found the couple’s dog dead from gunshot wounds inside the home. The incident’s details only became public after police revealed that Dorfman had contacted his ex-girlfriend immediately afterward.
According to police, Dorfman called his former partner on FaceTime and showed her the crime scene. Law enforcement later confirmed that during the video call, Dorfman described the killing to his ex-girlfriend, who managed to capture screenshots and quickly alerted authorities.
Marana police officers responded to the property around 10:30 p.m. but found Dorfman unwilling to surrender. He barricaded himself inside the home for several hours, threatening to take his own life. Negotiations continued through the night, and assistance from the Pima County SWAT team was enlisted to resolve the standoff.
By 3:30 a.m., Dorfman finally exited the residence, reportedly with blood visible on his face and hands but otherwise uninjured. Officers secured the scene and discovered evidence of heavy drug and alcohol use inside the house, according to police statements.
Rogers’ body and her deceased dog were found inside, and Dorfman was taken into custody without further incident. He was subsequently charged with murder and animal cruelty.
The murder left friends and loved ones grieving and searching for answers. Hannah Rogers was remembered by those close to her as “a beautiful, smart and funny woman,” according to a fundraising page established for funeral expenses. Friends described her as someone whose kindness and warmth touched everyone around her.
Dorfman now awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for October 20. The case has cast a somber mood over the Marana community, which continues to grapple with the loss of a beloved resident and her pet.