Justice Dept. justifies murder charge against man who gunned down abusive son-in-law

The Arecibo Prosecutor’s Office filed charges Sunday against Miguel A. González Varela, who is accused of killing Whisler Jared Rancel Galarza, 21, his son-in-law, by shooting him with a firearm he was licensed to carry.

By The Star Staff

The island Justice Department on Monday justified filing charges against a 60-year-old man who shot and killed his son-in-law after the latter beat up his daughter.

Miguel A. González Varela, who has been charged in the case, has received public support for his actions at a time when femicides are occurring at a high rate in Puerto Rico.

“First and foremost, we recognize the profound indignation, pain, and sense of helplessness generated by situations of domestic violence, particularly when it involves a close victim, such as a daughter,” the Justice Department said in a statement. “We express our empathy with all victims of gender-based violence and reiterate our commitment to their protection, access to justice, and comprehensive support. Likewise, we understand the emotional toll that can drive a person to act out of desperation and frustration. However, our call is to trust the judicial system and abide by established legal processes.”

The Arecibo Prosecutor’s Office filed charges Sunday against González Varela, accused of killing Whisler Jared Rancel Galarza, 21, by shooting him with a firearm he was licensed to carry.

The 60-year-old former municipal employee 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 incident happened 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 Firearms Act for pointing and firing a firearm.

In 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.

The evidence presented by the prosecutor in charge of the case, Yolanda Pitino, was evaluated by Judge Lugo, who determined probable cause for González Varela’s arrest for the crimes charged.