A tragic incident occurred on April 1, 2024, when an illegal immigrant, Baltazar Perez-Estrada, brutally stabbed his wife, Maricela Simon Franco to death in front of their two children in Illinois. Perez-Estrada had crossed the border from Mexico into the U.S. illegally about two weeks prior to the incident. He confessed to the murder at the Carol Stream Police Department, where he was taken into custody, and an investigation was immediately launched. Authorities discovered his illegal status and charged him with alien inadmissibility, setting a future court date and allowing him to continue on his way into the U.S.
Prosecutors allege that the violent crime occurred following a verbal fight between Perez-Estrada and Franco in their apartment around 10 p.m. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, during which Perez-Estrada brutally stabbed Franco multiple times in her head, neck, body, and hands, nearly decapitating her in the process. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind two young children who were present during the horrific incident. The DuPage County State’s Attorney and the Carol Stream Chief of Police expressed their condolences to Franco’s family and friends, emphasizing the impact of domestic violence on society and the importance of providing support to those in need of assistance.
In response to the tragic murder of Maricela Franco, prosecutors are committed to seeking justice for her and her family. The State’s Attorney condemned the violence and called for Perez-Estrada to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He stressed the prevalence of domestic violence in society, affecting millions of victims each year, and reiterated the need to address such issues. Perez-Estrada has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder, and the court granted the state’s motion to detain him pre-trial. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 25 to face the charges against him.
The brutal murder of Maricela Simon Franco highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the tragic impact it has on families and communities. Perez-Estrada’s illegal status adds another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about border security and immigration policies. The incident has sparked discussions about the need to address such issues and provide support to victims of domestic violence. The court’s decision to detain Perez-Estrada pre-trial reflects the seriousness of the charges against him and the commitment to seeking justice for the victim and her family. As the case unfolds, authorities continue to work towards bringing closure and accountability in this senseless tragedy.
