Forensic pathologist: Aibonito teen died from single fatal wound to the heart
- The San Juan Daily Star
- Oct 24
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
A forensic pathologist testified Thursday that 16-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario died from a single fatal stab wound to the heart, following a brutal attack that left her with multiple injuries.
Dr. Javier Gustavo Serrano of the Institute of Forensic Sciences conducted the autopsy on Aug. 12, the day after the teenager was slain in Aibonito following a municipal fiesta marking the end of summer. He revealed that Gabriela sustained 11 stab wounds, but only one — a deep wound to the chest — was capable of causing her death.
“This was the only injury that could have killed her,” Serrano said during his testimony. He described the fatal wound as three-quarters of an inch long and five inches deep, with a crescent shape. The blade entered from the left side, moving left to right, front to back, and bottom to top, ultimately piercing the left ventricle of the heart.
The injury caused significant blood loss and led to the collapse of the left lung, which Serrano said was the direct cause of death.
In addition to the fatal wound, the autopsy documented one stab wound to the head, four to the chest, five to the left thigh and buttock, and one to the right forearm.
Serrano confirmed that the cause of death was a stab wound, and based on the forensic evidence and circumstances, the manner of death was classified as homicide.
Responding to questions from prosecutors, Serrano also noted that toxicology tests showed no presence of alcohol or drugs in Pratts Rosario’s system that could have influenced her behavior at the time of the attack.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Puerto Rico, as authorities continue their investigation into the tragic killing of the young girl.
Accused of her murder are Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, 17, and her mother Elvia Cabrera Rivera.
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