Hazel Park man charged with murder in wife’s stabbing death

WARREN — A Hazel Park man was arraigned on charges in 37th District Court in Warren on Oct. 3 for his alleged role in the stabbing death of his wife of 15 years.

Ricardo Orozco, 56, of Hazel Park, was charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Genoveva Ortega-Valdivia, 42.

According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office and the Warren Police Department, it is alleged that on Sept. 30, police were called to a Mobil gas station in the 32000 block of Mound Road in Warren where they located Orozco sitting in the driver’s seat of his Dodge Durango. Ortega-Valdivia was reportedly found dead in the back seat with multiple stab wounds.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing; therefore, they would not say if the couple had a history of domestic violence. They also would not say whether the evidence showed that Ortega-Valdivia was killed in the truck or if the body was transported there after her death.

The couple had no children, according to police.

Orozco entered a not guilty plea before 37th District Court Chief Judge Michael Chupa, who set bond at $2 million cash or surety. If bond is posted, Orozco must wear a GPS tether and forfeit his passport, according to a release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

“This tragic event has destroyed a family. October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s remember that violence is never the answer,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Efforts were made to contact Orozco’s attorney of record, Marissa Kulcsar. She was not available for comment at press time.

A probable cause hearing originally scheduled for Oct. 17 in the 37th District Court was rescheduled for 8:45 a.m. Nov. 28. 

Orozco remained in the Macomb County Jail at press time, according to jail records. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.