Baltazar Perez-Estrada, an illegal immigrant who recently crossed the border into the U.S., has been accused of brutally stabbing his wife, Maricela Simon Franco, to death in front of their two children. Perez-Estrada entered the Carol Stream Police Department in Illinois on April 1, 2024, where he confessed to the crime. Police immediately took him into custody and began an investigation. It was revealed that Perez-Estrada had crossed into the U.S. from Mexico illegally. He was charged with alien inadmissibility and given a future court date.
Prosecutors allege that Perez-Estrada and his wife got into a verbal fight that turned physical, resulting in him stabbing Franco multiple times all over her body, nearly decapitating her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The couple’s two young children were present during the alleged murder. The tragic incident has left family and friends mourning the loss of Maricela and the children without a mother. Law enforcement and social service programs in DuPage County are working together to provide support and assistance to those affected by domestic violence.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin expressed his condolences to Maricela’s family and friends, denouncing the senseless and brutal act that resulted in her untimely death. Chief of Police Don Cummings emphasized the importance of partnership between law enforcement and social services in addressing domestic violence issues. Berlin affirmed that prosecutors are committed to seeking justice for Franco, stating that such violent acts will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Perez-Estrada has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder and has been detained pre-trial. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 25. The case underscores the prevalence of domestic violence in society, with Berlin highlighting the grave impact it has on millions of victims each year. The tragic fate of Maricela serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, and authorities are determined to ensure that Perez-Estrada faces the consequences of his alleged actions.
The alleged murder by Perez-Estrada has raised concerns and renewed discussions about immigration policies and border security. As the legal proceedings move forward, there is a focus on providing support to the victims of domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence within communities and ensuring that individuals have access to the resources they need to break the cycle of abuse. The tragic loss of Maricela Simon Franco has brought attention to the issue of domestic violence and the need for collaborative efforts to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring in the future.
