Additional Coverage:
- How a noncitizen suspected killer got caught and released by Newsom-appointed judge: timeline (foxnews.com)
Suspect in East Bay Stabbing Death Has Prior Arrests, Entered U.S. Legally in 2007
Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, identified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also as Marcos Valdezusper, was arrested Friday in Contra Costa County, California, in connection with the stabbing death of 68-year-old Todd Stewart. The victim, a retiree, was attacked during what authorities describe as an attempted burglary in a normally quiet East Bay community.
The Martinez Police Department confirmed the investigation is ongoing, with new details expected as interviews and evidence collection proceed.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Iriarte-Valdez was legally admitted to the United States in 2007 during the George W. Bush administration.
However, DHS recently designated him as an “illegal alien.” The agency has yet to clarify what transpired between his entry and the most recent classification.
Iriarte-Valdez, who holds Spanish citizenship but is originally from Venezuela, has a documented history of criminal activity. Earlier this year, he faced charges for residential burglaries in Orinda, with incidents dating back to April 29. Despite these charges, he was out on pretrial release when arrested again on August 4 for violating home detention monitoring rules.
Following that arrest, Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Nichelle Holmes, a Gov. Gavin Newsom appointee, released Iriarte-Valdez on his own recognizance and reinstated home detention monitoring.
Just two days later, surveillance footage captured Iriarte-Valdez wearing a tactical vest and exiting a Cadillac prior to the fatal stabbing of Stewart, whose cries for help were reportedly heard. This video evidence led to a murder warrant being issued by the Contra Costa Superior Court.
A SWAT team apprehended Iriarte-Valdez at his residence Friday evening. His bail was initially set at $1.1 million.
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diane Becton, a Democrat, filed felony charges including murder with special circumstances. These allegations could result in life imprisonment without parole if he is convicted. The complaint cites the murder occurring during a burglary and enhancements for the use of a knife and committing a felony while released on his own recognizance.
“Our office will pursue this case with diligence and integrity to hold Iriarte-Valdez fully accountable under the law for this devastating act of violence,” Becton stated. She also extended condolences to the victim’s family and the community.
Iriarte-Valdez pleaded not guilty during a recent hearing where Judge David Goldstein, appointed by former Gov. Jerry Brown, deemed him a public safety risk and ordered he be held without bail. Another Newsom appointee, Judge Michael Nieto, is set to preside over a preliminary hearing scheduled for September 1 in Richmond.
In addition to the murder charge, ICE placed a federal detainer on Iriarte-Valdez Saturday. He faces other charges including corporal injury on a spouse, receiving stolen property, trespassing, loitering, and unlawful entry.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet provided details explaining the shift from Iriarte-Valdez’s legal admission status in 2007 to his current classification as an undocumented individual. Possible reasons include visa violations, revocation of permanent residency due to criminal convictions, or abandonment of resident status.
Thomas Homan, former White House border official, criticized California’s sanctuary policies in response to the case, describing it as a tragic consequence of political decisions that prioritize sanctuary laws over public safety.
“The politics of a sanctuary jurisdiction contributed to this death,” Homan said on Fox & Friends, adding that Governor Newsom’s administration put politics ahead of community safety.
Requests for comment from Judge Holmes, District Attorney Becton, and Governor Newsom were made but have not yet been answered.