Félix Verdejo, a former professional boxer from Puerto Rico, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his pregnant partner. The tragic case has shocked the boxing community and the people of Puerto Rico, who once celebrated Verdejo as a rising star in the sport.
Verdejo, 28 years old at the time of the incident, was known for his promising career in boxing. He represented Puerto Rico in the 2012 Olympics and had a record of 27 wins and 2 losses as a professional boxer. However, his success in the ring was overshadowed by his involvement in a heinous crime that has left many questioning how someone with such potential could commit such a horrific act.
The victim, Keishla Rodríguez Ortiz, was a 27-year-old woman who was pregnant with Verdejo’s child. According to court documents, Verdejo became enraged when Rodríguez told him she was pregnant and demanded that he take responsibility for the child. Fearing that this revelation would jeopardize his career and personal life, Verdejo allegedly hatched a plan to murder Rodríguez.
On April 29, 2021, Verdejo lured Rodríguez to his apartment under the pretense of discussing the pregnancy. Once there, he allegedly punched her in the face, injected her with a syringe filled with an unidentified substance, and bound her hands and feet with wire. He then tied a block to her body and threw her off a bridge into a lagoon.
The case gained national attention in Puerto Rico, with many demanding justice for Rodríguez and her unborn child. The authorities launched an extensive investigation, which led to Verdejo’s arrest just days after the murder. He was charged with kidnapping resulting in death, carjacking resulting in death, and intentionally killing an unborn child.
During the trial, witnesses testified against Verdejo, including an accomplice who claimed to have helped him carry out the crime. The prosecution presented evidence, including phone records and surveillance footage, that implicated Verdejo in the murder. Despite his defense team’s efforts to cast doubt on the evidence, the jury found Verdejo guilty on all charges.
The judge presiding over the case handed down the maximum sentence, stating that Verdejo’s actions were “cruel and inhumane.” The court recognized the severity of the crime and the devastating impact it had on Rodríguez’s family and the community as a whole.
Verdejo’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of fame and the consequences of one’s actions. It also highlights the issue of gender-based violence, which continues to plague societies worldwide. The case has sparked conversations about the need for greater awareness, education, and support systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
As Puerto Rico mourns the loss of Keishla Rodríguez Ortiz and her unborn child, it is crucial to remember that justice has been served. The life sentence handed down to Félix Verdejo sends a clear message that no one is above the law, regardless of their status or achievements. It is a reminder that violence against women will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.
