MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) — A 23-year-old man, Gerson Blas Noe, has been charged with first-degree intentional homicide and hiding a corpse in connection with the death of Ingrid Valverde-Ponce, a 27-year-old Sun Prairie woman who was found dead after being reported missing.
Blas Noe was initially charged for providing false information about Valverde-Ponce’s disappearance and was the last person known to have seen her alive. On Tuesday, Blas Noe made his initial court appearance, where Valverde-Ponce’s sister virtually appealed for a higher bail amount. The judge amended his cash bail to $800,000, citing the seriousness of the crime and the possibility of Blas Noe fleeing. If released on bond, he is prohibited from contacting the victim’s family and must remain at home.
Prosecution’s Evidence
During the hearing, Assistant District Attorney William Brown presented evidence that suggested Blas Noe placed Valverde-Ponce’s body in the field where it was discovered. Brown also described Blas Noe’s attempts to flee from officers and his actions of discarding his clothes, which were reportedly doused in rubbing alcohol.
Brown further highlighted that text messages from Valverde-Ponce indicated a strained relationship between her and Blas Noe. She had recently discovered she was pregnant, and Blas Noe had expressed that he wasn’t ready for children but would support her.
The criminal complaint revealed disturbing search history on Blas Noe’s phone, which included terms such as “pregnancy test,” “unwanted pregnancy,” and “how to look for deceased people near me,” further indicating possible involvement in her death.
Autopsy and Further Investigation
An autopsy report on Valverde-Ponce indicated no signs of respiratory distress or hypothermia, but could not rule out a non-natural cause of death. The final cause and manner of death are still pending pending further tests. If test results confirm she was pregnant, additional charges may be filed.
Valverde-Ponce was last seen on the night of January 11, 2025, leaving a gathering near Klubertanz Drive in Sun Prairie. Her family reported her missing the next day. On January 14, a body was discovered in a farmer’s field near Portage Road and State Highway 19, later confirmed as Valverde-Ponce by her family.
Next Steps
Blas Noe’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 29, and he faces up to life in prison if convicted of first-degree intentional homicide. Meanwhile, Valverde-Ponce’s family plans to send her body to Nicaragua for burial.
