A California judge ordered the release of Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, a man facing burglary charges, one day before prosecutors allege he fatally stabbed 68-year-old Todd Stewart outside his Martinez home on September 24, 2025.
Iriarte-Valdez, 36, is now charged with murder, inflicting corporal injury on a spouse, three counts of burglary, receiving known stolen property, trespassing, entering a non-commercial dwelling, loitering, and a violation of a court-ordered protective order. Prosecutors have also added three enhancements to the murder charge: a special circumstance for the murder occurring during or immediately after a burglary, personal use of a deadly weapon (a knife), and committing the offense while released on bail or own recognizance.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records indicate Iriarte-Valdez was born in Venezuela but holds Spanish citizenship. An immigration detainer was placed on him on September 23, 2025, according to the DHS.
Background and Legal Context
Iriarte-Valdez had a prior criminal record and was facing burglary charges stemming from at least two incidents in Contra Costa County earlier in 2025. He was on pretrial release in one of those cases when he was arrested on September 23, 2025, for allegedly violating a home detention condition. A judge in the Democratic-majority Contra Costa County ordered his release on his own recognizance the following day.
Prosecutors allege Stewart’s killing occurred during an attempted burglary at his residence, where he had lived for approximately 40 years.
Immigration and Policy Responses
The DHS issued a statement calling for Iriarte-Valdez’s removal from the U.S., stating, “Sanctuary politicians must stop putting politics above public safety. This type of insanity leads to more crimes and more innocent victims.” The agency also criticized policies that, in its view, prioritize political considerations over enforcement.
The case has reignited debates over immigration enforcement, judicial discretion, and public safety policies in California. Critics of the judge’s decision point to Iriarte-Valdez’s prior record and the timing of his release as evidence of systemic failures. Supporters of the judge’s ruling have not been quoted in available reports but may argue that pretrial release decisions are based on legal standards rather than immigration status.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Iriarte-Valdez faces multiple felony charges, including murder with special circumstances, which could result in a life sentence without parole if convicted. The case is being prosecuted by Contra Costa County authorities, and further court proceedings are pending.
The incident has drawn attention from state and federal officials, with some calling for reviews of judicial release practices and immigration enforcement protocols in cases involving repeat offenders.