Victim's friend condemns California system after illegal immigrant suspect released
A friend of Todd Stewart, who was killed by an illegal immigrant on his lawn, accused California's courts of failing his family after the suspect was repeatedly released.
Victoria, who asked to keep her last name private, blamed California's legal framework for the death of her friend, Todd Stewart, after an undocumented man, Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, was repeatedly released despite prior felony burglary accusations. Iriarte-Valdez entered the United States illegally during the George W. Bush era and was under home-detention when he allegedly violated its terms on Aug. 4, yet a judge ordered his release on his own recognizance the next day.
Two days later, police said Iriarte-Valdez stabbed and killed 68-year-old retiree Todd Stewart during an apparent burglary at Stewart's Contra Costa County home. A SWAT team apprehended the suspect, and while bail was first set at $1.1 million, prosecutors later secured a hold without bail. Victoria contended that existing laws allowed repeat offenders to remain free and urged officials to reconsider release decisions after witnessing the crime's impact.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns about bail and release policies for repeat offenders in California.
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