Preliminary hearing in case of Aibonito teen’s slaying is postponed

By The Star Staff

The preliminary hearing for Elvia Cabrera Rivera, 40, and her 17-year-old daughter, Anthonieshka Avilés Cabrera, who are accused of the shocking stabbing death of 16-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario in Aibonito on Aug. 11, has been postponed to Sept. 18.

As previously reported, it was anticipated that the hearing would experience delays since the newly appointed lawyers for the defendants may need more time to prepare their defenses. The lawyers were appointed last week.

On Aug. 20, the Puerto Rico Supreme Court authorized the transmission of the proceedings; however, Aibonito Judge Marielem Padilla Cotto ruled in open court that television and still photography cameras would not be allowed to broadcast or take images inside courtroom 004 of the Aibonito Judicial Center during the trial. She stated that journalists would have a designated area for coverage, but video and photographs of the proceedings would be prohibited.

During the abbreviated preliminary hearing, prosecutors Brenda Lee Soto Santiago, Edwin Ortiz Rivera III and Lourdes Cruz Vélez confirmed that they were ready to begin proceedings. However, the defense requested an extension.

Attorney Rocío Revelles, from the Legal Assistance Society, will represent Avilés Cabrera, who will be prosecuted as an adult. Attorney Jesús Roberto Ramos Puca will represent Cabrera Rivera. Revelles said she had not yet been able to speak with her client, necessitating additional time to conduct required interviews before commencing the current stage of the proceedings.

The judge has also scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 3. In Puerto Rico, the preliminary hearing is a critical point in the criminal process for those facing felony charges. It is a phase during which the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to determine if the case should proceed to trial -- not a complete trial in itself.

Both women face serious charges, including first-degree murder and violations of the Weapons Law, with bail set at an eye-opening $1 million each. With Avilés Cabrera being tried as an adult, both defendants could face up to 99 years in prison if convicted.

Aibonito Prosecutor Ernesto Quesada confirmed that a police officer will testify in the investigation, strengthening the case against the defendants. Initially, six suspects were identified -- four minors and two adults -- with the victim’s mother, Lisandra Rosario, stepping forward as a key witness in the tragic event that has deeply affected the community.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Aug. 11 near the Roberto Colón intersection with highway PR-14. The victim and the defendants were classmates at Bonifaciow Sánchez Jiménez High School.