Overview
- Marcos Eduardo Iriarte‑Valdez, 36, was arrested and charged with murder for allegedly stabbing 68‑year‑old Todd Stewart to death during an attempted home burglary, a killing that occurred Thursday, Aug. 6.
- Court records show a judge released Iriarte‑Valdez on Aug. 5 after he was brought back to court for an alleged home‑detention violation, a decision prosecutors say preceded the Martinez homicide.
- Investigators used neighborhood surveillance video, automated license‑plate recognition and tips from residents to identify the vehicle, locate the suspect and make a weekend arrest at his Martinez home.
- Contra Costa prosecutors added a special‑circumstance allegation that the killing occurred during a burglary, the defendant pleaded not guilty, and a judge found him a public‑safety risk and ordered him held without bail.
- The Department of Homeland Security has publicly urged removal by calling Iriarte‑Valdez an 'illegal alien' while reporting notes his immigration status remains unclear, and the case is set for further court action on Sept. 1.