Man Confesses to Strangling Wife After Recent Breakup

A South Toms River man has been charged with murder after allegedly strangling his estranged wife with a belt during an argument at their family home, according to court documents. Gustavo Juarez-Perez, 38, reportedly told a 911 dispatcher “I killed my wife” shortly after the incident occurred Saturday night.

Authorities responded to a residence on Hummel Drive at approximately 9:15 p.m. following the chilling emergency call. First responders discovered 30-year-old Cheyanne Juarez unconscious on the floor with blood on her face and a belt around her neck, according to News 12 New Jersey. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Confession and Alleged Motive

Court documents reveal disturbing details about the events leading up to the homicide. According to the probable cause affidavit, Juarez-Perez admitted to authorities that he choked his wife with a belt, claiming he “lost control” after she allegedly confessed to having been unfaithful during their relationship, Toms River Patch reported.

“I was so upset and I lose control,” Juarez-Perez reportedly told the 911 dispatcher, alleging that Cheyanne had “cheated on him multiple times” and had confessed to the infidelity during their argument. Investigators noted that the victim had been lying on the floor for nearly 20 minutes before Juarez-Perez called emergency services.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that Juarez-Perez was taken into custody at the residence and charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing and is additionally subject to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.

Children Present During the Incident

Perhaps most troubling is that four children were in the home when the killing occurred. According to the affidavit, Juarez-Perez’s 14-year-old daughter from a previous relationship and the couple’s three sons, ages 12, 10, and 3, were present during the fatal confrontation.

The daughter told investigators that Juarez-Perez had moved out of the home in early March following the couple’s separation. She stated that on the night of the incident, he arrived at around 8 p.m. and took Cheyanne into the bedroom to talk privately.

The teenager reported hearing the argument escalate, eventually hearing Cheyanne saying “it hurts” in Spanish. Concerned, she gathered her younger half-brothers and took them into another bedroom, where they remained until police arrived. None of the children were physically harmed during the incident.

Recent Relationship Troubles

Evidence suggests the couple’s relationship had deteriorated in recent weeks. A female roommate told authorities that Cheyanne had informed her on March 3 that she had broken up with Juarez-Perez. The couple had been together for approximately 11 years, according to statements from family members.

Juarez-Perez’s brother, with whom he had been staying since moving out of the family home, told investigators that Gustavo had mentioned having problems with Cheyanne. On the evening of the murder, the brother lost contact with Juarez-Perez for several hours before receiving a text message at 9:18 p.m. that read, “I killed my wife.”

Community Support for Victim’s Children

As the legal process unfolds, community members have rallied to support Cheyanne’s children. Rosaura Roustand, a friend and co-worker of the victim, started a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses and provide for the three boys.

Due to limited funds, plans for a formal funeral service have been replaced with a more affordable cremation option. A memorial service celebrating Cheyanne’s life is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14, outside her home on Hummel Drive.

According to Roustand, Cheyanne’s sister is seeking custody of the three boys, with plans to relocate them out of state to live with extended family members. The 14-year-old daughter is now staying with her biological mother.

Authorities continue to examine evidence, including several electronic devices and Juarez-Perez’s cell phone that were seized during the investigation. The case has highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence on families and communities.

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