Woman Escaped Boyfriend by Climbing Down 3rd-Story Balcony — But Returned for Her Belongings and Was Killed. He Gets 55 Years

An Illinois man has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for murdering his girlfriend after she escaped their apartment by climbing down a third-story balcony during an argument, only to return later to retrieve her belongings.

Anthony Jimenez, 28, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Jessica Reyes, 24, and was sentenced on October 16, 2026, according to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The fatal attack occurred on July 17, 2024, at an apartment in Villa Park, a suburb west of Chicago. Prosecutors said Jimenez stabbed Reyes repeatedly during a renewed argument, then called 911 and told dispatchers he had stabbed his girlfriend in the neck.

She Climbed Down a Third-Story Balcony to Escape

According to prosecutors, Jimenez and Reyes had been arguing for approximately three hours before the stabbing.

During the confrontation, Jimenez allegedly blocked the apartment’s door, preventing Reyes from leaving. She eventually escaped by climbing down from the third-story balcony into the parking lot below.

The pair later spoke and appeared to calm down. Reyes then returned to the apartment to collect her personal belongings.

But the argument reportedly started again after she went back inside.

Attack Turned Fatal in Front of His Mother

Prosecutors said Jimenez pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed Reyes in the side of her head. As she fought back, he continued stabbing her multiple times in the neck, face, arms, chest and hands.

According to the prosecution, the attack stopped only when Jimenez’s mother entered the room.

Shortly before 11 a.m., Jimenez called 911 and told the dispatcher that he had stabbed his girlfriend in the neck.

When officers arrived at the apartment, Jimenez answered the door with blood on his hands and chest. Police found Reyes bleeding on the floor in a back bedroom.

Paramedics rushed her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities arrested Jimenez at the scene.

Victim Was a Military Veteran Remembered for Her Kindness

Reyes was 24 years old when she died. A fundraising page created by her family remembered her as a selfless, resilient and funny person who was always willing to help others.

Her family said she had served in the military for six years and had recently become a veteran.

Her death left loved ones grieving a young woman whose life, they said, had been defined by her generosity and support for those around her.

Judge Sentences Jimenez to 55 Years in Prison

Jimenez pleaded guilty to first-degree murder earlier in 2026. On October 16, he received a 55-year prison sentence for Reyes’ killing.

DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said the case was a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and offered condolences to Reyes’ family and friends.

The case highlights the danger that can arise when a person attempts to leave a volatile relationship. Reyes had managed to escape the apartment during the initial confrontation, but returned to collect her belongings before the fatal attack.

Jimenez will spend decades in prison for the killing. His guilty plea and sentence bring the criminal case to a major conclusion, though the loss of Reyes remains for her family and friends to endure.

Sources: Law&Crime