Man who killed wife in lower valley home sentenced

A 75-year-old man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for stabbing and killing his wife last August.

Isaac Duarte, who will only have to serve half of his sentence, pleaded guilty Monday to murder in the slaying of his 66-year-old wife, Maria.

Court documents stated that Duarte, then 74, waited for police and when they arrived at his home, he directed them to his wife’s body. When police discovered the body they saw that the victim had stab wounds to the chest and back. Police said that Isaac Duarte then tried to kill himself with a knife but was unsuccessful. Investigators say the woman was stabbed four times during an argument at the couple’s home.

Duarte reportedly suffers from diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Duarte’s attorney, Ruben Nunez, told ABC-7 he was pleased with the verdict. The defense had asked for a sentence of 5 years or less due to Duarte’s health conditions. “We believe the judge took his time. We respect the decision of the court and we are pleased he took into consideration my client’s medical health”. He added, “In my opinion, Mr. Duarte will probably pass away in jail”.

Nunez said that despite the testimony presented during the trial, Duarte is remorseful for what he did. “He did express to me on a number of occasions the fact that he was very sorry for what he did. He was very sorry for what he did to his kids as well,” said Nunez.

Sandra Elabour, Maria Duarte’s daughter, spoke with ABC-7 after the sentencing. “It wasn’t enough. I was hoping for 20, 30 years. They shouldn’t be looking at his health condition. It should be irrelevant. His age should be irrelevant.”

She added, “My mother was a caregiver. She was there for him 24/7. She didn’t have no evil in her. She was very gentle and caring. So for him to kill her, you know, it’s evil”.

Despite the sentence, Elabour says justice was served. “It’s finally come to a closure. It gave us some kind of peace. My mom took her last breath alone, but my sister and I are still here for her”.

The prosecution had asked the judge for a 30 to 40 year sentence, saying it was reasonable.

James Montoya said, “We obviously disagree with it. I don’t think the defendant’s age or his medical condition warranted a lesser sentence in the case. If this had really been any other defendant, we would be talking about a much higher sentence”.

When asked if he thought justice was served, Montoya answered, “Justice is what the system says it is. If the judge says 12 years is justice, than that’s justice”.