GoFundMe Started To Aid Children Of Mom Slain In Carol Stream Stabbing

CAROL STREAM, IL — Family members have started a GoFundMe to help support the two young children of Maricela Simon Franco, 26, a Carol Stream mother who was fatally stabbed Easter Sunday.

The fundraiser was organized by Franco's aunt, Patricia Manuel, who wrote the following, which has been translated from Spanish:

"Hello, I'm Patty, my niece Maricela lost her life in a very unfortunate situation, leaving me with her two little daughters, 7 and 8 years old, who had recently arrived in the country to see their mother, without knowing that a few days later she would die. They would be left alone without their parents. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated."

Franco's husband, Baltazar Perez-Estrada, 33, was charged with murder in connection with her death. According to prosecutors, Perez-Estrada nearly decapitated Franco after stabbing her several times in front of their children following a verbal altercation.

Perez-Estrada is being held at DuPage County Jail and is set to appear in court April 25.

Readers can click the link to donate to the GoFundMe for Maricela Simon Franco's family.