A suspect is in custody for allegedly murdering a Glendale woman with a knife in front of her two children.

Police have identified Alma Escobar, 43, as the victim.

Victoriano Alejo, 58, is in custody facing charges of first-degree murder; threatening or intimidating to cause injuryor property damage; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct with a weapon.

According to a report, about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15, the victim’s children called police after witnessing Alejo stab their mother at a location in the 5000 block of North 86th Drive.

Police say during questioning Alejo allegedly admitted to the murder and that he had made the conscious decision to end her life.

He stated the two had known each for about a year before they started dating. They had dated for five months, the suspect told police, and had moved in together with her three children. However, as his feelings for the victim grew, police say he told them during his interview, she lost interest in him.

They ended their romantic relationship two weeks ago, but decided they would still live together as roommates, police said.

The suspect allegedly further stated the victim had started a new relationship, and he had grown jealous, police said.

Police allege Alejo told them his thoughts that if he and the victim could not be together then he would not allow her to be in another relationship.

The children were not harmed and eventually were able to get their mother out of the house and flee in a vehicle.

Glendale police officers later surrounded the house and called for the suspect to exit. He was taken into custody without incident.

A search warrant was executed and turned up the suspected murder weapon.

The suspect told police he had consumed alcohol the night prior, and when he woke up on Saturday he continued to drink alcohol. Police say the suspect admitted to drinking around 12 cans of beer the day of the murder.