Inside a home in Hallandale Beach, police made a macabre discovery. Last Tuesday night, November 12, officers arrived at 720 Southwest Seventh Avenue and inside a woman who was 20 weeks pregnant was found with serious injuries and was eventually killed.
A tragedy has moved all the neighbors who said that the murdered woman was a good person. It is known that the suspect had received at least three complaints of domestic violence in recent years.
Kathy Morales, the victim’s neighbor, says: “We were all expecting that this could happen at any moment. It was noticeable. That was perceived. “It was not a normal or happy family.”
Authorities say they realized something was wrong since their two children, ages 8 and 9, were not picked up from daycare and were alerted that way. When officers entered the residence, they also discovered an unconscious adult man in a bedroom, later identified as the children’s father, and a lifeless woman in the bathroom.
The victim’s name was Delfina Pérez, 41, according to a gofundme page created by her family, and the suspect was identified as Víctor Chávez.
“He stopped her watching and besides that she didn’t have a way out. She only has one sister because she is from Guatemala. He said that he didn’t want them to come to his house because his children were very restless and that his husband was delicate, that’s what they say,” says Kathy Morales, a neighbor of the victim.
The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. After his recovery, Chávez confessed to having committed the murders and attempting suicide.
Neighbors of the couple say there were signs of domestic violence, but they were never able to confirm it. “She didn’t say anything, the only thing she said was my husband is very jealous… She wanted to talk but couldn’t, it was a difficult situation for her,” explains Morales.
The man has already been formally charged with second-degree murder without premeditation and is now being held without bail.
What are some practical steps that friends and family can take to assist someone who may be experiencing domestic violence, particularly in light of the Hallandale Beach incident?
As the website editor for world-today-news.com, I had the opportunity to interview two guests about the tragic incident that occurred in Hallandale Beach. The first guest is Detective Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Hallandale Beach Police Department, who was involved in the initial investigation. The second guest is Ms. Sandra Gonzalez, a victim advocate with a local domestic violence organization.
Interview with Detective Maria Rodriguez:
1. Can you provide more details about the timeline of events that led to the discovery of Delfina Pérez’s body? Were there any warning signs or red flags that the police department had previously received related to this household?
2. How common is domestic violence in this particular neighborhood or city? What kind of preventative measures are being taken by the police department to address this issue?
3. What kind of support is available for victims of domestic violence in Hallandale Beach? Are there any specific resources or programs that can help individuals in similar situations?
4. Can you update us on the condition of the children and their father, who were also found at the scene? Will they be placed in foster care or with family members? Is the family receiving any kind of counseling or support?
5. What charges has Victor Chavez been formally charged with? Do you anticipate any additional charges or suspects involved in this case?
Interview with Ms. Sandra Gonzalez:
1. As a victim advocate, what do you believe could have been done to prevent this tragic incident? What kind of help or support do you think was lacking for Delfina Perez?
2. Is there a cultural or social stigma around reporting domestic violence in Hispanic communities? If so, how can we improve outreach and support for individuals in these communities who may be afraid to speak up?
3. How common is it for victims to stay in abusive relationships due to fear or financial dependence on their partners? What kind of resources are available to help them break free from these situations?
4. Can you tell us about any specific programs or initiatives your organization has implemented to combat domestic violence? Have they been successful in changing attitudes or behaviors related to this issue?
5. What is the impact of domestic violence on children who witness
