DHS Requests California to Extradite Undocumented Immigrant Suspected of Murdering Retiree
The Department of Homeland Security has reached out to California Governor Gavin Newsom for the extradition of Marcos Herate Valdez, an undocumented Venezuelan immigrant charged with murder in connection to the death of 68-year-old Todd Stewart in the Bay Area. This plea came after court officials released Valdez the day before the incident.
A judge in Martinez set Valdez free despite his previous theft charges. He had a criminal history with at least two robbery incidents recorded in Contra Costa County, which is located near San Francisco. However, the judge decided to release him, leading to this troubling situation.
The DHS reported that they placed an immigration detainer on Valdez shortly before the incident. In their statement, they outlined the various charges against him including murder, theft, and other offenses.
“Governor Newsom, you have released this murderer and are refusing to send him to us for his removal,” the DHS tweeted regarding Valdez, whose origins trace back to Venezuela but who also reportedly has Spanish nationality. The agency criticized what they termed politically motivated decisions that jeopardize public safety.
Prosecutors allege that Valdez fatally stabbed Stewart during an attempted robbery. Previously, he was out on pretrial release for another robbery charge stemming from an April incident. He had been arrested for breaching the conditions of his home detention just prior to his release on the same day Stewart was killed.
It appears that Iriarte Valdez encountered Stewart in his garage while trying to escape. The victim had lived on that quiet street for about 40 years, making the crime feel even more shocking to the community.
The homeowner who had previously dealt with Valdez expressed disbelief that he was released. His 83-year-old wife witnessed the incident, prompting Valdez to flee when she screamed.
Overall, the DHS noted that Valdez had been legally admitted to the U.S. under the George W. Bush administration before being classified as an “illegal alien.” They emphasized that cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement can prevent potential repeat offenses by individuals like Valdez.
Currently, Valdez is being held without bail and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
