Man accused of killing marine biologist in Yauco is jailed

By The Star Staff

A man was jailed Thursday after Judge Adria Cruz Cruz of the Ponce Court of First Instance found cause for arrest on five criminal charges related to the slaying of marine biologist Roberto Viqueira Ríos, which occurred at his residence in Yauco.

The island Department of Justice reported that prosecutors Natalia Pizarro Pérez and Alberto Flores Bermúdez filed charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, discharging or pointing a firearm, and aggravated burglary, under the Puerto Rico Penal Code and the Weapons Law, against Eduardo Meléndez Velázquez, 45, a resident of Yauco.

According to the investigation by police officer Ivelisse Maldonado Echevarría from the Homicide Division of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, the defendant entered the residence of the biologist and his wife, fired a firearm, causing the death of Viqueira Ríos and endangering the life of the 43-year-old woman.

The judge imposed bail of $1.75 million. When Meléndez Velázquez failed to post the sum, he was immediately imprisoned.

The preliminary hearing in the case was scheduled for Monday, July 29.