Mother, daughter arrested in fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Aibonito girl
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
By The Star Staff
A judge found probable cause Tuesday against Elvia Cabrera Rivera, 40, and her 17-year-old daughter, Anthonieshka Avilés Cabrera, on charges related to the brutal stabbing death of 16-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario in Aibonito on Aug. 11.
Both will be tried for first-degree murder and violating the Weapons Law under common and mutual agreement. Bail has been set at $1 million each. Notably, the minor will be tried as an adult, with both defendants facing up to 99 years in prison if convicted.
Puerto Rico Justice Secretary Lourdes Gómez Torres addressed the public outrage sparked by the crime, emphasizing the collective efforts of the Police Bureau, Justice Department and Institute of Forensic Sciences in pursuing justice for Pratts Rosario.
“Our duty is to handle the case responsibly and firmly,” Gómez Torres said.
The Justice secretary also highlighted the dedicated work of the prosecutors involved, assuring Pratts Rosario’s family and friends of the department’s continued support during a difficult time.
Aibonito Prosecutor Ernesto Quesada Ojeda confirmed the involvement of a police officer as a witness in the investigation, further solidifying the case against the defendants, who he said were to be booked in court. Police Commissioner Joseph González expressed condolences for the loss of the young victim, vowing that investigations would persist until all responsible parties are held accountable.
“Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. Her loss has caused deep pain to her family and our community,” González said. “To her loved ones, we reiterate our sincere condolences. We hope this step in the process brings some comfort. This investigation continues. We will not rest until all those responsible are held accountable.”
Initial reports identified six suspects, including four minors and two adults. The victim’s mother, Lisandra Rosario, who witnessed the horrific events, has been named the primary witness in the ongoing investigation.
Tuesday morning saw the arrests of Cabrera Rivera and her daughter, who were apprehended in separate locations due to the minor being under the care of other relatives.
Quesada Ojeda shed light on the nature of the incident, asserting it was not the result of a fight but rather an intentional act, stemming from an orchestrated dispute between the parties involved. Authorities revealed during a press conference that a hairbrush containing a knife found in the possession of Cabrera Rivera’s mother may have been the murder weapon used in the crime that stunned Aibonito and an island that has seen more than its share of senseless acts of violence over the years.
Gov. Jenniffer González Colón said regarding the filing of charges in the case that “No one here will be above the law.”
“Taking someone’s life is no one’s right, and certainly here we are talking about minors who took it upon themselves to kill and murder another young woman,” she said.
“This is serious,” the governor added. “We are not talking about sudden brawls, but rather about a common agreement. These events provoke collective outrage, and my government will not allow these things to go unpunished.”
“This was Gabriela today, but in the past, there may have been other victims of crimes,” González Colón said in a written statement. “As a government, we must identify those responsible for these deaths. Charges have already been filed, the Court declared a case, and our mission is to handle this case in the most responsible manner.”
The governor also noted the services and assistance that have been provided to families and victims of the incident, including psychological services that were offered to the young man who was injured while defending Pratts Rosario, and who she said “is considered a hero.”
“He has already accepted the service and had his first session,” González Colón said. “Support was also offered to Gabriela’s mother, which is at her discretion.”