A Connecticut man told police he killed his girlfriend because she was having an affair, Hartford Police Department officials said.
The man, Pedro Grajalez, 52, walked into the police department and showed officers photos of his dead girlfriend, whose body was stored in his car just outside the department, the Connecticut Insider reported.
Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert told the outlet that Grajalez has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death. Grajalez reportedly told police that “he had just stabbed his girlfriend, and that she was in a vehicle parked in front of the police department.”
Police took custody of Grajalez and went outside to his vehicle, where they found the body of 57-year-old Nilda Rivera sitting in the front seat. Rivera had “multiple injuries” and police attempted lifesaving procedures as they waited for medics to arrive. She was then transported to Saint Francis Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Boizvert said Monday that it was “highly unusual” for a suspect to confess and to bring their victim, along with evidence, straight to the police.
Investigators said Rivera had been stabbed more than 25 times over her body, including on her chest, head, face, and arms, the New York Post reported. A knife was found in the center console.
Grajalez had been dating Rivera for less than a year – since July 2022 – and recently learned she had been having an affair, NBC Connecticut reported. Grajalez spent several days planning to kill Rivera, and admitted to stabbing her, according to a warrant obtained by NBC.
Grajalez reportedly told police that he hid the knife in his pocket and took Rivera to McDonalds to eat. After eating, he drove her to a secluded parking lot and allegedly began stabbing her. He told police officers that he waited for her to die before taking her to the police department and confessing to the crime, according to the warrant.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
Police later learned that Grajalez sent pictures of his girlfriend’s dead body to her “new boyfriend,” according to the warrant. Grajalez also reportedly told police that Rivera’s new boyfriend threatened Grajalez’s mother and that Rivera gave the man his mother’s address.
Grajalez initially had his bail set at $1.5 million, but it was raised to $3 million. His next court date is May 15.