2023-07-30 23:30:21
By Yamilet Aponte Claudio July 30, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Several lawyers consulted by Metro pointed out that the defense of the federal convict, Félix Verdejo, will appeal to the Boston Appeals Circuit.
Verdejo was found guilty last Friday on federal charges of kidnapping culminating in death and the killing of an unborn child related to the murder of Keishla Rodríguez, who was pregnant at the time of her death. The trial lasted weeks and the deliberation lasted for days. There were two counts in which the jury did not agree.
The ex-prosecutor, Pedro Berríos Lara, elaborated in an interview with Metro regarding the possibility of appealing to Boston by the ex-boxer’s defense. Berríos Lara opined that one of the errors that might be brought to Boston is the presentation of proof of character by the federal prosecutor’s office. He mentioned testimony regarding past relationships or when it was suggested that Verdejo sold drugs. The lawyer said that this type of evidence might have the effect of demonizing the defendant for actions prior to and/or unrelated to the cause of action. “What this test does is that Verdejo is seen with bad eyes for his previous conduct,” said Berríos Lara.
You can watch the video of the full interview:
“I have been informed that the jury has reached a verdict,” were the words of magistrate Pedro Delgado Hernández at around 8:15 p.m. last Friday, following the 12 members of the jury entered the room to inform the the court on its decision.
The federal prosecutor’s office managed to unanimously prove that the boxer Félix Verdejo Sánchez is guilty of kidnapping resulting in the death of a person and the death of a minor who had not yet been born, for the events that concluded with the murder of Keishla Rodríguez Ortiz on February 29. April 2021.
However, for counts one (carjacking) and three (use of a firearm), the jury unanimously returned a guilty verdict.
“Mr. Verdejo, a jury of your peers found you guilty of counts two and four of the accusation,” the Magistrate outlined.
Delgado Hernández indicated that the man now convicted of two charges will be sentenced on November 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Prosecutors indicated in court that they will go up once morest the charges in which the boxer was not found guilty.
During three consecutive days of deliberations, the atmosphere in the Federal Court of Hato Rey remained tense, in expectation of the Jury’s decision that would determine the future of the former professional boxer. Meanwhile, relatives of both parties remained anxiously waiting in separate rooms for the court to begin session.
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