Illegal immigrant charged with murder in Virginia stabbing
- Jose Velasquez-Martinez, a Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in the U.S., was arrested for allegedly stabbing Brandon Probst to death.
- Probst was found injured in a stranger's home after a violent altercation outside the residence.
- This incident raises concerns about illegal immigration and crime implications in the local community.
In the United States, a tragic incident took place on March 27, 2025, when a 29-year-old man named Brandon Probst was found bleeding from stab wounds inside a stranger's home in Warrenton, Virginia. Probst's injuries were severe, having been stabbed in the neck during an altercation outside the residence on John Marshall Parkway. The homeowner, Joette Breeden, discovered the injured man shortly after her return home at approximately 9:50 PM, leading her to call 911 for assistance. Unfortunately, Probst succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at a local hospital. Authorities conducted a thorough investigation following Probst's suspicious death and quickly identified Jose Velasquez-Martinez, a 27-year-old man from El Salvador, as a suspect in the stabbing incident. Law enforcement arrested Velasquez-Martinez on March 31, 2025, at a hotel in Front Royal, Virginia. He is reportedly in the United States illegally, having entered the country uninspected in 2011. In addition to murder charges, Velasquez-Martinez faces charges of malicious wounding in connection with the case. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Velasquez-Martinez's immigration status, noting that he is a Salvadoran national residing in the U.S. illegally. Once he was apprehended, ICE lodged an immigration detainer against him while he remained in custody at the Fauquier County Jail. Officials stress the importance of addressing issues related to undocumented immigrants involved in serious crimes. The sheriff’s office and the local community have been affected by this tragic event, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding crime and public safety in relation to immigration. Joette Breeden expressed her feelings about the situation, acknowledging the complexity of the immigrant population, with many seeking better lives while some commit violent acts. The case continues to unfold as the investigation progresses and authorities seek answers regarding the altercation between the suspect and the victim.