Full Breakdown
Judge’s Release of Suspect Precedes Fatal Stabbing in Martinez
8/15/2026, 12:34:33 PM
Core Event
Todd Stewart, 68, was fatally stabbed outside his Martinez home during an alleged burglary. Police identified the attacker as Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, 36, who had been released on his own recognizance by Contra Costa Superior Court Judge Nichelle Holmes after violating a pre-trial home-detention program tied to an earlier residential-burglary case. Following the killing, Iriarte-Valdez was re-arrested, bail set at $1.1 million, and a preliminary hearing scheduled for early September.
Background & Context
Judge Holmes was appointed to the Contra Costa Superior Court by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024 after serving as a deputy district attorney. The release occurred amid debate over California’s sanctuary policies, which some Republican leaders argue impede federal immigration enforcement.
Timeline
- April 29 – Iriarte-Valdez arrested for two residential burglaries in Orinda.
- Later – Placed on pre-trial home-detention monitoring.
- After a monitoring violation – Judge Holmes ordered his release on recognizance.
- The next day – Surveillance video captured Iriarte-Valdez, wearing a tactical vest, stabbing Stewart in the front yard.
- Afterward – Iriarte-Valdez re-arrested; bail set at $1.1 million; preliminary hearing slated for September.
Data & Statistics
- Suspect: Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, Venezuelan national, Spanish citizen, entered the U.S. in 2007.
- Victim: Todd Stewart, long-time Martinez homeowner.
- Bail: $1.1 million.
- Criminal history: Prior residential burglaries, a 2025 DUI and hit-and-run, multiple counts of burglary, receiving stolen property, trespassing, and a conviction for violating a protective order.
Official Statements & Responses
Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on Iriarte-Valdez, labeling him a “criminal illegal alien.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Local resident Jim, whose home was previously burglarized by Iriarte-Valdez, said the suspect’s ankle bracelet was removed before release, describing the decision as “very sad.” A family friend of Stewart recalled him as a “devoted husband, loving father” active in his church community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The Department of Homeland Security initially described Iriarte-Valdez as an “illegal alien,” later clarifying he was “legally admitted” in 2007, leaving his current immigration status ambiguous. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and no prior relationship between the suspect and victim has been established.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our office will pursue this case with diligence and integrity to hold Iriarte-Valdez fully accountable under the law for this devastating act of violence.” — District Attorney Diana Becton
- “ "This murder was 100% preventable if we just enforced the laws currently in place," Tangipa said.” — Assemblymember David Tangipa
- “ICE placed a detainer for Marcos Eduardo Iriarte Valdez, a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela with citizenship in Spain.” — Department of Homeland Security
