Former Olympic boxer Félix Verdejo Sánchez has been convicted of murdering his pregnant girlfriend Keishla Rodríguez.
The 27-year-old professional boxer faces a nearly month-long jury trial in the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico.
Rodriguez, 27, went missing on April 29, 2021, after making plans to meet Verdejo to share the news of her pregnancy. Her family reported her missing, and two days later, her lifeless body was found in a lake in San Juan. A post-mortem revealed that she died of drowning after a narcotic injection.
A jury of three women and nine men found Verdejo guilty of kidnapping resulting in death and the death of an unborn child. However, they could not reach a unanimous verdict on charges related to carjacking and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Throughout the trial, the defense presented nine witnesses, who tried to portray Verdejo as a non-violent and respectable person. Nevertheless, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and the jury’s verdict was reached after three days of deliberation.
Verdejo will be sentenced on Nov. 3, and could face up to life in prison for the crimes he was convicted of. His conviction has brought some closure to the grieving family of Keishla Rodriguez, who expressed that they hope he lives with the weight of his actions for the rest of his life.
The tragic incident sparked protests in Puerto Rico, highlighting the significant issue of violence against women on the island. In 2021 alone, 53 women and girls lost their lives due to gender-based violence. This decision serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address this serious issue.
Keishla Rodriguez, who loved animals and worked in a pet grooming business, will be remembered by her family and community, while her killer, a one-time Olympic hopeful, awaits his fate. doing.
