A woman from San Mateo, identified as Claribel Estrella, was revealed to be the victim of a chilling homicide, which was filmed and uploaded to Facebook by the alleged killer. The suspect, 39-year-old Mark Merchikoff of Pacifica, has been charged with first-degree murder.
Police report that Merchikoff recorded video as he fatally stabbed Estrella with a knife inside a San Mateo apartment on the afternoon of July 26. The video was immediately posted on Facebook. While the motive behind the stabbing is still under investigation, the San Mateo Police Department confirmed that Merchikoff fled the area after the incident.
The gruesome video alarmed Facebook users, who called 911. One user from Nye County, Nevada, provided law enforcement with a name and phone number associated with the Facebook account. A ‘ping’ to the phone number led officers to an apartment complex in San Mateo where a three-hour search resulted in the discovery of Estrella’s body in one of the apartments.
Merchikoff was identified as the primary suspect and was subsequently arrested in San Jose. The nature of the relationship between the suspect and victim remains unclear. The accused is currently held without bail in a San Mateo County jail. This harrowing case underscores the grim reality of violent crime and the vital role of vigilant citizens in aiding law enforcement.