Federal prosecutors are preparing to present the case against Reinaldo Fernández González to the U.S. Department of Justice's Capital Case Committee, which will decide whether to seek the death penalty. Fernández González is charged with murdering Allan Sahel Cordero Rosario, 27, an employee and the owner's son at Money Flash Pawn Shop (also known as CJ Joyeros) in Quebradillas on July 27 during a robbery.
Security cameras allegedly captured the accused inside the business for about an hour before he shot Cordero Rosario. At a brief status hearing Friday before federal District Judge Camille L. Vélez Rivé, prosecutors said two discovery packages had been produced but requested more time to complete discovery and prepare their Capital Case Committee presentation.
The defense said it is conducting its own investigation and developing mitigation efforts that could factor into the death penalty determination, and requested a status hearing within 60 days. Vélez Rivé scheduled the next hearing for November 13 at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom 4 of the federal court in Hato Rey and suspended the speedy trial deadline until then. It remains unknown whether the federal government will formally seek the death penalty against Fernández González.