Puerto Rico Morning BriefWednesday, July 15, 2026

A Puerto Rico judge has determined there is sufficient cause to send Anderson Bierd Melo to trial in connection with the 2022 Quintana housing project massacre, in which four people were killed. The ruling means Melo will now formally face trial for his alleged participation in the killings.

In other legal news, a DACO employee, Hilda Ortega Álamo, has filed a lawsuit against former DACO Secretary Valerie Rodríguez Erazo, alleging discrimination and harassment. The suit reportedly cites an alleged connection to La Fortaleza, the governor's residence, as part of the claims.

Separately, the Department of Family is disputing claims that it has limited the oversight powers of an elder advocate, following the removal of 17 elderly individuals from a care center in Las Piedras. Meanwhile, residents in 14 Puerto Rico municipalities should expect power outages Wednesday as LUMA Energy carries out scheduled maintenance work across the island.