The Puerto Rico Department of Justice, led by Secretary Lourdes L. Gómez Torres, stated on Tuesday that it is prepared to counter the arguments presented by the defense of Elvia Cabrera Rivera in her appeal. Cabrera Rivera was found guilty of first-degree murder and violating the Weapons Law in the 2025 killing of 16-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario in Aibonito.
The defense plans to appeal the verdict and the 102-year prison sentence imposed by Judge Luis S. Barreto Altieri. Gómez Torres expressed that there is no new evidence to justify a new trial, and the Department of Justice is confident that it will prevail in the appeal. The case began on August 10, 2025, when a fight broke out at a summer event, resulting in two minors being injured with a sharp object.
Pratts Rosario died the next day, and Cabrera Rivera and her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera, were charged in connection with the crime. Avilés Cabrera pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 38 years in prison. The defense’s appeal is expected to be presented soon, but it is unclear what new evidence they will present.
Gómez Torres stated that the defense’s claims of new evidence are erroneous, as the evidence was available during the trial.