Prosecutors: Vicente Salgado fatally stabbed estranged wife's new boyfriend

Michael Lansu — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 15:35:58 -0500

Vicente Salgado / Photo from Chicago Police

BY MICHAEL LANSU
Homicide Watch Chicago Editor

A Southwest Side man was ordered held on a $1.5 million bond Monday after prosecutors claimed he fatally stabbed his estranged wife's new boyfriend during a confrontation outside a Back of the Yards neighborhood Burger King.

Vicente Salgado and his estranged wife met at a Burger King restaurant in the 2000 block of West 47th Street about 4:15 p.m. Saturday, said Assistant State's Attorney Enrique Abraham.

The woman did not want to speak to Salgado alone and brought her new boyfriend, 40-year-old Juan Martinez, who did not sit with the estranged couple while they talked, Abraham said.

During their conversation, Salgado insisted his estranged wife move back in with him and the woman stood up and left the restaurant with Martinez, Abraham said.

Salgado followed them outside and attacked Martinez by the drive-thru, Abraham said.

Martinez was stabbed multiple times in the face and suffered slice wounds on his arms after he raised his hands to defend himself, prosecutors said.

One of the stab wounds to Martinez' chest struck an artery and he bled into his chest, Abraham said. Salgado continued to stab Martinez after he fell to the ground, prosecutors said.

When a witness pulled Salgado away from Martinez, Salgado cut the witness' thumb and ran away, Abraham said.

Police found Salgado on a bus about four blocks away, Abraham said. Salgado had turned his blood-soaked sweater and jeans inside out, prosecutors said.

Martinez, of the 4600 block of North Central Park Avenue, died at Mount Sinai Hospital less than an hour later, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office, which ruled the death a homicide.

Salgado's estranged wife and multiple witnesses identified Salgado as the attacker, Abraham said.

Salgado, 39, of the 4500 block of South Honore Street, was charged with first-degree murder, police said.

Salgado, who was born in Mexico, has lived in Chicago for 15 years and has worked as a cook the entire time, according to his public defender. He currently lives with his 12-year-old daughter.

Judge Peggy Chiampas ordered Salgado held on $1.5 million bond and said he must surrender his passport if he posts bail.

Salgado will be back in court March 27.

Vicente Salgado | Homicide Watch Chicago

Prosecutors: Vicente Salgado fatally stabbed estranged wife's new boyfriend