Aurora, IL – A brutal crime in Aurora has concluded with a 38-year prison sentence for a man who fatally stabbed his mother 26 times, according to the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office. The sentence follows the guilty plea of Abel Quinones-Herstad, 23, to first-degree murder.
Murder Occurred in July 2022
The incident took place on July 14, 2022, when Quinones-Herstad, then 20 years old, killed his 55-year-old mother, Edith Gonzalez-Alarcon, at her home on Jackson Place in Aurora. Investigators said Quinones-Herstad stabbed Gonzalez-Alarcon 26 times, causing fatal injuries.
After the attack, he is believed to have placed her body in a closet and hid a knife beneath a living room rug, attempting to conceal the crime.
Confession to Brother Leads to Arrest
Following the killing, Quinones-Herstad reportedly traveled north to Wisconsin, where his brother resided. Police said he admitted to his brother that he had done something bad to their mother and could not return home.
The Aurora Police Department conducted a welfare check at Gonzalez-Alarcon’s residence the following morning. Officers discovered her body and confirmed multiple stab wounds via autopsy. Quinones-Herstad was later detained by the West Allis Police Department in Wisconsin.
Prosecutor Condemns the Brutality
Assistant State’s Attorney Christine Bayer called the case a “brutal and heinous crime” that has forever affected the family and community. She praised the family for their extraordinary bravery and strength, noting that while the sentence ensures accountability, it cannot fully heal the pain caused by the loss.
Sentence and Jail Credit
Quinones-Herstad was sentenced to 38 years in prison and is required to serve the full sentence. He received credit for 1,243 days served in Kane County Jail prior to sentencing.
Summary
The Aurora community is grappling with the tragic loss of Edith Gonzalez-Alarcon following one of the most violent domestic crimes in recent years. Quinones-Herstad’s conviction and sentence bring a measure of justice, though the impact on the family remains profound. Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance and support systems in preventing such tragedies.
Do you think current laws and support systems are enough to prevent family violence? Share your opinions and join the discussion in the comments below.
