In a deeply unsettling series of events, Hallandale Beach police arrested a local man following the murder of Delfina Perez Chilel, a pregnant woman found dead in her home.
Authorities reported that Chilel’s body was discovered on November 12 in her residence on Southwest 7th Avenue after the mother and her partner failed to collect their children from daycare. Upon their arrival, officers found Victor Chavez Sr., unresponsive, alongside the deceased Chilel, who was identified as 41 years old and 20 weeks pregnant. She had been brutally injured.
Following medical intervention, Chavez admitted to the crime, confessing to both the murder and his subsequent failed suicide attempt. The case has drawn attention to the couple’s troubled history, with family members revealing past incidents of domestic violence and expressing concern over Chavez’s mental state and prior threats.
In response to the tragedy, Chilel’s relatives have sought financial support via GoFundMe to assist her children, now left orphaned by the loss of their mother. Chilel’s sister, bereaved by the loss, shared heartfelt words about her sibling, remarking on her profound impact on those around her and the challenging future that awaits her children. She expressed a desire to honor her sister’s memory by returning her to Guatemala for her final resting place.
The legal proceedings against Chavez are underway, with charges of two counts of dangerous depraved murder without premeditation filed against him. He remains in custody without bail, with his defense team requesting a mental health evaluation.
The community remains shocked by the crime, highlighting ongoing issues of domestic violence and mental health awareness. This case underscores the vulnerability of victims within abusive relationships and the broader societal need for resources and intervention strategies.
As the Hallandale Beach community grapples with this tragic event, a focus on supporting the remaining family and addressing domestic violence and mental health challenges becomes increasingly vital.
Source: NBC Miami
