Louisiana authorities are on the hunt for a man who fled the scene after murdering his wife on Nov. 18.
Stefanie Vallery, 51, was violently stabbed multiple times by her estranged husband Michael Vallery, 49, on Sunday evening, The Advocate reported. The incident happened around 8 p.m. after an argument ensued between the victim’s family and the suspect according to East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Casey Rayborn Hicks.
Stefanie’s grieving family said they have so many unanswered questions and are hoping the police catch the suspect soon.
“He had been acting strangely in the sense that he was realizing his marriage was over, but I never thought in a million years that he would kill my momma, “said the victim’s daughter Danielle Scott who was named after her aunt. “I hope the police find him soon,” she said. “But he took the best of me already.”
Scott who was identified herself on Monday morning as one of the victim’s who suffered minor injuries said she witnessed her step-father killing her mom.
“My momma died in my hands,” the 25-year-old said. “I don’t even know where to start right now. We are lost.”
Stefanie and Michael were separated during the time of the attack and were going through an impending divorce. Scott said her step-father showed up to the house on Sunday and a verbal altercation occurred.
(L; Michael Vallery and R; Stefanie Vallery/ photo credit the Advocate)
Michael was reportedly still moving out of Stefanie’s home.
A neighbor reportedly called Scott and her sister to inform them about the argument ensuing between their mother and step-father. Their aunt who’s in serious, but stable condition was at the house when they arrived.
Scott said Micheal left the house three minutes later and returned back through the window with a knife.
“He was in a rage,” said Scott. “He started stabbing her and we were pulling him off of her and fighting for the knife.”
Michael left the house after stabbing his wife several times. Scott then said her step-dad came back to the home for a second time and began brutally stabbing their mother again.
“We were trying to put pressure on the wounds, but she had already passed,” said Scott. “Then he kicked down the door and came back again. I turned to him and said: ‘You killed my momma.’ He just didn’t care — he ran up and stabbed (her) some more and ran out.”
Stefanie was pronounced dead on the scene after medical officials arrived minutes later.
Stefanie’s sister who was hospitalized was identified on Wednesday as five-time Olympian volleyball star Danielle Scott. The athlete was also stabbed multiple times trying to protect her sister.
The USA Volleyball CEO Jamie Davis stated, “USA Volleyball sends our strength, love and support to Danielle and her family. … We are deeply saddened by this heinous incident yet so proud of Danielle’s incredible bravery and wish her a speedy recovery.”
Stefanie’s daughter said her step-father was never violent towards her mother or anyone in the family before Sunday’s rampage.
She added that her mom grew up in Baton Rough and dedicated her life to her family and faith.
