'Illegal Alien' Released From Custody One Day Before Allegedly Stabbing Father of Two to Death
Prosecutors say the suspect was released one day earlier and now faces enhancements for killing during a burglary and using a knife.
- On Aug. 6, 68-year-old Todd Stewart was fatally stabbed during an attempted burglary in Martinez. Prosecutors allege 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez committed the murder one day after a Contra Costa County judge released him.
- Iriarte-Valdez faced felony burglary charges in Orinda prior to the stabbing. A judge ordered his release on Aug. 5 despite his prior criminal record, intensifying scrutiny of California's sanctuary policies.
- The Department of Homeland Security publicly identified Iriarte-Valdez as an "illegal alien" from Venezuela. Prosecutors charged him with murder, burglary, and using a deadly weapon, citing video evidence processed by the Sheriff's Office.
- Iriarte-Valdez pleaded not guilty on Aug. 12 and is being held without bail. ICE officials criticized California's sanctuary policies, arguing local cooperation could have prevented the suspect's release.
- A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 1 as the case proceeds through California courts. Federal officials continue advocating stricter detainer policies, with Homan asserting sanctuary states complicate public safety nationwide.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Illegal immigrant freed by Newsom-appointed judge day before deadly stabbing
Illegal immigrant freed by Newsom-appointed judge day before deadly stabbing | 13 Aug 2026 | Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, alternatively identified by DHS as Marcos Valdezusper, was arrested Friday at his home in Contra Costa County, California, after police said he stabbed and killed 68-year-old retiree Todd Stewart during an apparent burglary attempt. Iriarte-Valdez was “legally admitted” to the U.S. in 2007, according to information provided by ICE.…
California’s Sanctuary Policies Face Scrutiny After Jail Release Turns Deadly
A Venezuelan national who was released from a Northern California jail just one day before allegedly stabbing a 68-year-old retiree to death is reigniting criticism of the state’s sanctuary policies, after federal officials confirmed the suspect had an active immigration detainer at the time of his release. Todd Stewart, a 68-year-old retiree from Martinez, California, was killed in his own front yard, according to authorities, in what investiga…
How a noncitizen suspected killer got caught and released by Newsom-appointed judge: Timeline - NEW YORK TIMES POST
Illegal immigrant accused of killing California retiree after release Fox News senior national correspondent William La Jeunesse reports on the murder charges facing Venezuelan migrant Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, who is accused of fatally stabbing 68-year-old California retiree Todd Stewart after being released from custody, on ‘America Reports.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The suspect charged in the stabbing death of a California ma…
How a noncitizen suspected killer got caught and released by Newsom-appointed judge: timeline
Illegal immigrant Marcos Iriarte-Valdez was charged with murder in the stabbing death of California retiree Todd Stewart during an alleged burglary in Contra Costa County.
'Illegal Alien' Released From Custody One Day Before Allegedly Stabbing Father of Two to Death
A 68-year-old father of two was allegedly stabbed to death outside his California home just one day after a judge released the man now accused of killing him, whom the US Department of Homeland Security has described as an 'illegal alien'. Prosecutors say 36-year-old Marcos Eduardo Iriarte-Valdez, already facing felony burglary charges, was freed on 5 August and that Todd Stewart was killed the following afternoon during an attempted home burgla…
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