For so many people, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate their partners and loved ones or even get together with a load of girlfriends to have a special dinner out on the town. You never want to think abou a tragedy happening — especially between two former lovers — on a day that’s supposed to be filled with love. Sadly, that’s exactly what happened when a man from Orange County, California, allegedly murdered his estranged wife in their shared home on February 14, 2026. The woman was found dead with stab wounds in the garage of the home.
Stephen Demaro, 62, was arrested for the murder of his estranged wife, per the New York Post. The 59-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in the garage of their shared ranch-style home on Laurelwood Lane in San Juan Capistrano, California, in the early morning hours of February 14.
NBC 4 reported that authorities were called to the residence for a domestic incident. The man was taken to a nearby hospital for non-life threatening injuries, per the news outlet.
The Orange County Register confirmed Debora Jean Demaro was the victim. It is not known whether her estranged husband’s injuries were “self-inflicted or defensive,” per a sheriff’s spokesperson via the Orange County Register.
Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla would not share Stephen Demaro’s motive for allegedly murdering his estranged wife, per the New York Post. The property records show that the Demaros had lived in their $800,000 home, which is modest by California standards, for 26 years, per the news outlet. Gwisdalla confirmed that even though they did live together, the couple were estranged.
Demaro is being held in the Orange County Intake Release Center in Santa Ana, California, on $1 million bail, per the New York Post. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women’s shelter through domesticshelters.org.
