An Illinois woman who was "nearly decapitated" during a violent attack by her husband armed with a knife died in front of their young kids, said police.
Baltazar Perez-Estrada, 33, has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder for the alleged fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Maricela Simon Franco.
It's unclear if he entered a plea to the charges. Attorney information was not immediately available. He was denied bond, court records show.
Perez-Estrada is accused of stabbing Franco "dozens of times in her head, neck, body and hands, nearly decapitating her," at their Carol Stream, Illinois, apartment, on the night of March 31, according to authorities.
The morning of April 1, the suspect turned himself in to Carol Stream police and allegedly confessed to the slaying, which he said was preceded by a verbal argument that turned physical in front of their kids.
"The men and women of the Carol Stream Police Department stand by the family and friends of Maricela Simon Franco as they mourn this tragic loss," Chief of Police Don Cummings said in a statement. "Not only has this senseless and brutal act removed Maricela from their lives, but it has robbed two young children of their mother."
Investigators said Perez-Estrada illegally arrived in the U.S., two weeks ago. He's also been charged with alien inadmissibility.
Perez-Estrada is scheduled for arraignment on the murder charges on April 25.
