# Martinez fatal stabbing and murder charges

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/martinez-fatal-stabbing-and-arrest
> Updated: 2026-08-14T23:43:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3.

Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, a 36-year-old Venezuelan and Spanish national, has been formally charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of 68-year-old Todd Stewart in Martinez, California. Prosecutors allege the killing occurred on August 6 during an attempted residential burglary.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the attack in the victim’s front yard. Iriarte-Valdez had been released on his own recognizance by a Contra Costa County Superior Court judge just one day prior to the incident while awaiting trial for residential burglary cases. Authorities noted he had not yet been fitted with home detention monitoring equipment and had allegedly violated previous monitoring terms.

The incident has intensified scrutiny of California’s sanctuary policies. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that an immigration detainer had been placed on Iriarte-Valdez in September 2025. During his arraignment, Iriarte-Valdez pleaded not guilty to murder and denied all associated enhancements. Judge David Goldstein ordered him held without bond, citing him as a danger to public safety. If convicted, Iriarte-Valdez could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.

## Claims

- An immigration detainer had been placed on Iriarte-Valdez in September. (disputed by 3 sources)
- The Department of Homeland Security placed an immigration detainer on Iriarte-Valdez on September 23, 2025. (disputed)
- Marcos Iriarte-Valdez allegedly stabbed Todd Stewart to death during a residential burglary on August 6. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Marcos Iriarte-Valdez is a Venezuelan national who is considered to be in the United States illegally. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Judge Nichelle Holmes released Iriarte-Valdez from custody roughly 24 hours before the killing. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- If convicted, Iriarte-Valdez could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Judge David Goldstein ordered Iriarte-Valdez held without bail. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Governor of California’s office stated that state law does not prevent federal authorities from enforcing immigration law. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Iriarte-Valdez was arrested at his home following a SWAT operation. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Marcos Iriarte-Valdez charged with murder in California burglary

Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, a Venezuelan national, faces murder charges after allegedly killing Todd Stewart during a burglary in Martinez, California, shortly after being released from custody.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marcos-iriarte-valdez-charged-with-murder-in-california-burglary

### 2026-08-12: Marcos Iriarte-Valdez charged with murder in Martinez stabbing

A Venezuelan national, Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, faces murder charges after allegedly killing a California retiree during a burglary, one day after being released from custody by a local judge.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-national-accused-of-murder-in-martinez-after-california-judges-release

### 2026-08-08: Martinez man arrested in fatal yard stabbing

Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, 36, was arrested for the fatal stabbing of Todd Stewart in Martinez, CA, one day after being released on pre-trial release for unrelated burglary charges.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/martinez-man-arrested-in-fatal-yard-stabbing

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Cite as: Martinez fatal stabbing and murder charges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/martinez-fatal-stabbing-and-arrest