The Lake County Prosecutor's Office has charged Margarito Valdivia with murder, battery with a deadly weapon, and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, in relation to the death of his estranged wife Erica Valdivia. Munster Police report they were called to the scene on the eight-hundred block of Boxwood Drive, at 5:45 Tuesday morning, and found Erica's boyfriend standing outside the residence with a large laceration to his head. Officers were unable to gain entry to the home, but a SWAT Team was later able to gain entrance, and once confronted, Margarito Valdivia surrendered to authorities. Police say Erica's body was discovered lying in the bathroom, and appeared to have sustained major trauma to her head and face, and was later pronounced dead at a Munster hospital. Authorities say her exact cause of death is still unknown and remains under investigation. Police say a subsequent investigation revealed Margarito drove to the residence, confronted the victim and boyfriend, and during confrontation, struck the boyfriend numerous times. Police report Margarito had been separated from his wife for approximately four-months, and according to family members, they had just finalized their divorce.

(Photos Courtesy of Munster Police)

# # #