Anthonieska Avilés sentenced to 38 years for murder of Gabriela Pratts
Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Gabriela Nicole Pratts and was sentenced to 38 years and one day in prison.
Police and Justice respond to Anthonieska Avilés conviction for murder of Gabriela Pratts
Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera accepted responsibility in court for the murder of teenager Gabriela Nicole Pratts and will receive a sentence of 38 years and one day in prison, according to metro.pr on Tuesday. The agreement between the prosecution and defence was reached during the morning, precisely when the trial was scheduled to begin.
The superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police, Joseph González, described the guilty plea as the closure of proceedings against all those responsible for Pratts's death. "With the guilty plea of Anthonieska Avilés, justice is done for the death of Gabriela Nicole Pratts and the proceedings against those responsible for her murder come to an end," González said.
The official highlighted the joint work of Police investigators and prosecutors from the Department of Justice throughout the investigation and judicial process. "From the beginning, we were confident that the investigative process would allow us to clarify what happened and bring the case before justice. We recognise the work of the Department of Justice, its prosecutors and the investigators of the Puerto Rico Police, whose teamwork was fundamental in achieving this result," he added.
González also referred to the impact the crime had on the island. "Today we close a painful chapter of a case that shook all of Puerto Rico. We hope that this outcome brings some peace and comfort to those who have suffered this irreparable loss," he said. "May Gabriela rest in peace and may her family, friends and loved ones find strength to move forward," he added.
Secretary of Justice defends the guilty plea agreement
Secretary of Justice Lourdes L. Gómez Torres emphasised that the Department's objective from the outset was to ensure that those responsible for Pratts's death faced criminal consequences. "Our responsibility to Gabriela Nicole and her family was always one: that those who took her life answer criminally for their actions so that justice could be done. That is exactly what we did," she said.
Gómez Torres recalled that co-accused Elvia Cabrera Rivera was already found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 102 years in prison. "The Prosecution presented solid evidence and obtained a guilty verdict against Elvia Cabrera Rivera, who as a mother was bound to prevent violence and instead instigated it. Today she serves 102 years of imprisonment," she noted.
Regarding Avilés Cabrera, the secretary clarified the terms of the agreement: "Today we ensured that Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera pleads guilty and answers for the crime of second-degree murder, with a sentence of 38 years and one day. This is a real and forceful criminal consequence, accepted in court, before a judge."
Factors that tilted the balance towards the agreement
Gómez Torres explained that the decision took into account the particular circumstances of this second phase of the proceedings, including the impact that a new trial would have on the victim's family. "In this second phase, we have considered what it means for Gabriela Nicole's family to go through a new judicial process. Returning to court to relive the circumstances of her death represents a difficult burden for a family that already faced a first trial," she said.
The secretary added that several key witnesses in the case are minors, which also influenced the evaluation. "We have spoken with Gabriela Nicole's family before making any decision. Furthermore, in this case several important witnesses are minors. These factors are part of a responsible evaluation, because in fulfilling our role we must take into account the impact that these proceedings have on victims and their families," she said.
Gómez Torres insisted that the agreement does not downplay in any way the seriousness of the crime. "This decision in no way minimises the gravity of this crime, nor does it change what we have maintained from day one. It responds to the particular circumstances of this moment and to our obligation to decide based on the facts and evidence, but taking into account the empathy and sensitivity that guides those of us who defend crime victims in Puerto Rico," she stated.
Two convictions for the same crime
With Avilés Cabrera's guilty plea, both defendants now face convictions related to Pratts's death. "Co-accused Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera accepted her responsibility in court and Gabriela Nicole's family did not have to relive the tragedy again. Today there are two convictions in this case, both for the crime of murder. Both those responsible for Gabriela Nicole's death answer to justice," Gómez Torres said.
The agreement stipulated that Avilés Cabrera would plead guilty to second-degree murder and to a violation of the Weapons Law. The reduced sentence was distributed as 37 years and six months for the murder charge, and six months and one day for the weapons law violation, for a total of 38 years and one day in prison.
Source: Google News PR — Crime