Florida Mother's Worst Fear: She Took Precautions, But It Wasn't Enough
In a heartbreaking case out of Hallandale Beach, Florida, a pregnant mother's life was brutally cut short in an act of domestic violence that has left her community in shock. With a history of abuse and mental illness revealed in court records, the accused now faces justice while two young children grapple with unimaginable loss.
Pregnant Mother Found Dead After Missed School Pickup
On Nov. 12, 2024, 41-year-old Delfina Perez Chilel failed to pick her children up from school. Concerned staff, including a relative who worked at the school, contacted authorities and asked them to perform a wellness check. When police arrived at Chilel's home, they found Chilel's lifeless body with multiple stab wounds and defensive injuries.
Chilel's partner, 38-year-old Victor Chavez Sanchez Sr., was found in a nearby bedroom in a heavily sedated state after allegedly consuming pills in a suicide attempt. Multiple goodbye notes were also found in the home: one in the kitchen, one in his children's jewelry box, and another on a dry-erase board.
Police noted that Sanchez did confess to killing Chilel, stating that they got into an argument after he accused her of putting pills in a glass of milk for him. Sanchez, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, had reportedly stopped taking his medication earlier in the year, heightening tensions in their home. According to HuffPost, he told officers, "I think she's been trying to kill me for a while."
A Troubling History of Domestic Violence and Mental Illness
Court records reveal that Sanchez had a documented history of domestic violence. Between 2014 and 2017, he was arrested multiple times for battery and aggravated battery, including an incident involving a pregnant woman in 2015. Despite these arrests, the charges were dismissed because victims either did not press charges or failed to appear in court.
Family members of Chilel had long been concerned for her safety. Relatives reported that she feared for her life and took steps to protect herself, such as sleeping in a separate bedroom and hiding all the knives in the home.
The Aftermath of a Devastating Loss
Chilel's death leaves her two children, ages 9 and 8, without their mother. The children were unharmed and are now in the care of relatives. In a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for transporting Chilel's body to Guatemala for burial, her sister wrote, "Their lives will not be easy. They are the true victims of this tragedy."
Meanwhile, Sanchez faces two charges of second-degree murder, one for the death of Chilel and the other for their unborn child. He is currently being held without bond as the investigation continues.
Police Call for Community Support
At a press conference, Hallandale Beach Police Sgt. Nini McArdle called the incident a "heartbreaking tragedy" and asked for the community's support. "This horrific and isolated crime which occurred in the family-oriented community of Hallandale Beach was the result of domestic violence," she stated, according to NBC6. "We ask the community to support and keep this family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."
While Chilel's life cannot be brought back, her story can serve as a catalyst for change. It's a reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse and ensuring that support systems are in place for victims.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for support.
References: Pregnant Mom Had Hidden Knives Away From Partner Accused Of Killing Her | Man accused of killing pregnant mother has history of domestic violence: Court docs | Ayuden a llevar a Delfina a casa Help Take Delfina Home
