A 29-year-old mother of five had just moved her family into a hotel, hoping for a fresh start. But what unfolded just days later left her children—and an entire community—shattered.
A Tragic Night Outside the Room Where They Slept
Mina Valladares was staying with her five young children at an Extended Stay America in North Carolina. According to local police, an altercation broke out around 6:30 p.m. on July 8 outside the hotel. Within minutes, the single mom was stabbed and left critically injured in the parking lot, just steps from where her kids were staying.
First responders rushed her to the hospital. Sadly, Mina died from her injuries later that night.
One Arrest—But Many Questions Remain
Police arrested 33-year-old Obed Valladares and charged him with murder. Authorities confirmed that Obed and Mina were once married but had separated. The motive behind the attack is still being investigated.
As reported by WBTV News, the hotel staff and guests were left shaken after witnessing the aftermath. Mina’s five children, who were in the hotel at the time, are now in the care of family members.
Credit : Cuyahoga County Jail
She Was a Devoted Mom, Trying to Rebuild
Friends and loved ones say Mina was working hard to get life back on track for her and her children. Her story is tragically familiar—many single parents in difficult situations do everything they can to provide safety and stability.
Now, her children face an uncertain future without their mother.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support her children and cover funeral expenses, which you can find here.
A Final Thought
This heartbreaking story isn’t just about one moment of violence—it’s about how quickly things can fall apart, even when someone is doing everything right. Mina’s courage to start over deserves to be remembered. Her kids deserve safety, healing, and support.
If this story moved you, share it to raise awareness. Someone you know might be going through more than they’re letting on.