Stephen Demaro arrested for stabbing wife Debora to death in San Juan Capistrano home

Authorities have taken a 62-year-old man into custody following the fatal stabbing of his estranged wife in their shared residence on Valentine’s Day.

The suspect, Stephen Demaro, is accused of attacking 59-year-old Debora at their San Juan Capistrano home in Orange County during the early morning hours of February 14.

According to Sgt. Lizbeth Gwisdalla, police were dispatched to the ranch-style home on Laurelwood Lane shortly after 6:30 a.m. in response to reports of a disturbance.


A Google Maps view of a house on the 26000 block of Laurelwood Lane in San Juan Capistrano.
Stephen Demaro allegedly slashed Debora, 59, at the property in San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, in the early hours of Feb. 14. Google Maps

Upon entering the Demaros’ residence, officers discovered Stephen with injuries to his arms, Sgt. Gwisdalla reported.

Further investigation led officers to the garage, where they found Debora’s lifeless body, appearing to have succumbed to multiple stab wounds. Stephen was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital.

Public records indicate that the Demaros had resided in their $800,000 home, located on a tree-lined street in Orange County, for 26 years.

Gwisdalla would not share any information about Stephen’s alleged motive. Although the couple lived together, Gwisdalla said they were estranged.

Stephen is being held in the Orange County Intake Release Center in Santa Ana on $1 million bail. He is due in court Wednesday.

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