PHOENIX — The man who fled to Mexico after stabbing his pregnant wife 38 times in Phoenix more than a decade ago has been sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Gilbert Villareal, 36, was recently sentenced in Maricopa County Superior Court after he pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said the 22-year-old victim was found dead at a Phoenix apartment complex in March 2012, suffering from numerous stab wounds. The woman's 2-year-old son was found crying next to her body.
Prosecutors said the woman had been in an abusive relationship with Villareal and had attempted to leave him before she was killed.
Villareal's exact whereabouts were unknown until 2016 when he was arrested and convicted of crimes in Mexico. He was then extradited to Arizona and prosecuted for his wife's murder.
As a result of his plea deal, Villareal was served five lifetime injunctions that prohibit him from contacting the victim's family, including his own son.
“Remember, a two-year-old child witnessed this awful crime," County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a statement. "I hope that one day, when he is old enough to understand, he will recognize there were dozens of people on his side, fighting for justice.”
Domestic violence resources
If you or anyone you know is in a domestic violence situation help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233 (SAFE).
The Arizona Sexual and Domestic Violence Hotline is 602-279-2980 or text 520-720-3383.
For help at New Life Domestic Violence in Arizona, call 623-932-4404
Go here for more local resources and shelters.