Illegal immigrant allegedly murders wife in front of their children

An illegal alien stands accused of murdering his wife in front of their children, just two weeks after entering the country.

Authorities have charged that Baltazar Perez-Estrada with five counts of first-degree murder, alleging that he killed Maricela Simon Franco, his 26-year-old wife, Fox News reported. He will remain in custody ahead of his trial and will next appear in court on April 25.

Perez-Estrada allegedly stabbed Simon Franco multiple times when a fight between the pair got out of hand. Their two children were present during the altercation, police stated. He later turned himself in at the Carol Stream, Ill., Police Department and informed officers of his actions.

"Not only has this senseless and brutal act removed Maricela from their lives, but it has robbed two young children of their mother," Chief Don Cummings said. "As domestic violence continues to victimize so many, law enforcement within DuPage County stands ready to partner with available social service programs to provide a sustainable resolution to those in need."

Investigators eventually learned that he had entered the U.S. illegally last month from Mexico. Though he received a court date, authorities at the border permitted him to go free.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.