Judge reduces bail for man who killed son-in-law

The total bail originally ordered against Miguel Ángel González Varela was lowered from $200,000 to $60,000.

By The Star Staff

Judge Robert Osoria of the Arecibo Judicial Center decided to reduce the bail previously set for Miguel Ángel González Varela, who is accused of killing 21-year-old Wisler Jared Rancel Galarza, González Varela’s son-in-law, reportedly in defense of his daughter, who had been beaten by Rancel Galarza hours earlier.

The total bail was lowered from $200,000 to $60,000, allowing the former Arecibo municipal employee to be released on bail. The case has generated a significant amount of public support for González Varela.

Judge Osoria granted bail with the condition that González Varela must wear an electronic bracelet and remain at his sister Sonia Ivette González Varela’s home at all times, except for authorized outings.

González Varela’s attorney, Pedro Jusino, expressed satisfaction with the judge’s decision. Meanwhile, the prosecutor in the case, Rafael Freytes, stated that since the defendant surrendered to authorities, there should be no concerns regarding his appearance in court.

The 60-year-old was charged with first-degree murder and discharging or pointing a firearm at his son-in-law. He was jailed after failing to post the $200,000 bail set by Judge Rafael I. Lugo Morales of the Bayamón Court of First Instance.

The incident occurred July 5, at 1:52 a.m., in front of apartment 325 of the Manuel Zeno Gandía residential complex in Arecibo. The injured man was taken to the Puerto Rico Medical Center in Río Piedras, where Dr. Nidia D. Soto confirmed his death at approximately 5:25 a.m.

The shooting took place after Rancel Galarza attacked González Varela’s daughter, who suffered a head injury while trying to break away from her attacker. The victim’s sister, who intervened, was also attacked.

According to the investigation conducted by authorities, the defendant was charged with violations of Article 93(a) of the Puerto Rico Penal Code for first-degree murder and Article 6.14 of the Weapons Act for pointing and firing a firearm.

According to an interview, the defendant’s daughter stated that she had been a victim of physical abuse by Rancel Galarza on previous occasions; she had not filed a complaint.

Hours after the shooting, González Varela voluntarily surrendered at the Arecibo Police Station and, according to police reports, stated that he acted in defense of his daughter. He stated outright that he committed the act “for his daughter and that he would do it again,” the reports said.

However, a relative of the young man told television media that Rancel Galarza was preparing to surrender to authorities after beating his partner. The woman claimed that the young man was killed as he tried to get into a vehicle, after having expressed his intention to surrender.

The investigation into the case is being led by Prosecutor Rafael Freytes Cutrera, while the Justice Department has reiterated its call for victims of violence to seek legal channels and not take justice into their own hands.