A criminal complaint says an ex-boyfriend entered a woman’s home despite a restraining order and attacked two people.
WEST MILWAUKEE, WI — A 25-year-old man is accused of fatally stabbing Jose Valdivia and injuring a woman after entering his former girlfriend’s home during an alleged act of jealousy, according to a newly filed criminal complaint.
Luis Barahona Lopez is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree recklessly endangering safety in connection with the July 19 attack. Prosecutors allege he entered the home despite an active restraining order involving the woman, armed himself with two kitchen knives and attacked Valdivia while he was sleeping.
Valdivia, 28, died after suffering 17 wounds, according to a preliminary autopsy cited in the complaint. The woman was wounded in her right hand and leg while trying to stop the attack, the complaint says. Authorities have not publicly identified her.
The attack occurred at about 3:37 a.m. in West Milwaukee. According to the complaint, Barahona Lopez told investigators that he learned his former girlfriend had been at a bar with another man. He said the two had been trying to repair their relationship because they have three children together.
Barahona Lopez allegedly took his sister’s vehicle without permission and drove to the woman’s home. The complaint says he found the woman’s house keys inside her unlocked truck and used them to enter the residence. Once inside, he saw Valdivia’s wallet and identification on a table.
According to prosecutors, Barahona Lopez looked through an opening in a bedroom door and saw Valdivia and the woman sleeping. He told investigators that he became angry, went to the kitchen and took two small knives from a holder before forcing his way into the bedroom, the complaint says.
Prosecutors allege Barahona Lopez began stabbing Valdivia while Valdivia was asleep. The woman tried to push Barahona Lopez away and told him to stop and leave, according to the complaint. She was injured during the struggle.
Court records cited by TMJ4 News show Barahona Lopez had a previous history of domestic violence involving the same woman. The residence where the attack occurred was listed in a protective order barring him from the property, according to the report.
Valdivia’s mother described her son in a statement to TMJ4 News as hardworking and caring. She said he helped his parents, loved his siblings, had many friends and grew up playing soccer. His family was preparing to hold his funeral following the killing.
The homicide count includes a dangerous-weapon enhancement and carries a mandatory life sentence if Barahona Lopez is convicted. The reckless-endangerment charge also includes domestic-abuse and dangerous-weapon assessments. The charges are allegations, and Barahona Lopez is presumed innocent unless proved guilty in court.
The criminal case remains pending in Milwaukee County. No final findings have been made regarding the allegations, and additional court dates or developments had not been independently confirmed as of Monday.
Author note: Last updated July 27, 2026.