Justice Dept. files negligent homicide charge in case of woman shot in Humacao

By THE STAR STAFF

Prosecutors Jaime Perea Mercado and Daphne Franco Avilés, of the Humacao Prosecutor’s Office, filed a negligent homicide charge on Thursday against Michael Jovan Fontánez Arroyo, 35, for the death of his wife, Jomarys Rosario Cabrera, 35, on May 9, 2024.

The charge was filed under Article 96 of the Puerto Rico Penal Code. Judge Jailene González Echevarría determined cause for arrest and set bail at $25,000, which must be held under electronic monitoring.

According to the investigation, the defendant claimed he was handling a licensed firearm, sitting on the edge of the bed with his partner behind him, when the weapon accidentally discharged, striking her.

The victim was taken to Ryder Hospital in Humacao, where she was pronounced dead.

The case was investigated by Officer Miguel Sánchez Rivera of the Humacao Homicide Division. The trial was scheduled for Sept. 24.