Judge Ana P. Cruz Vélez dismissed today, Wednesday, the seven charges of physical and psychological abuse, threats and property damage against former boxer Juan Manuel “Juanma” López Rivera after the Public Ministry agreed they didn’t have enough evidence to continue the case.
However, the magistrate warned the accused that the Public Ministry can resubmit the case and reminded him that the restraining order remains in force until October 29.
On the other hand, the judge ordered to remove López Rivera’s electronic shackle that was placed on him to keep him tracked.
The admission of the Prosecutor’s Office was related to the absence in court for the second consecutive day of two of his witnesses: the alleged victim and ex-partner of the former boxer, Andrea Victoria Ojeda Cruz, and another young woman identified as Gabriela Nicole Rodríguez Resto.
Similar to yesterday, the Prosecutor’s Office recounted in court all the efforts made to contact the ex-partner of the accused, who had stated before the magistrate on January 12 that he had no desire to testify in the case of domestic violence. Back then, Ojeda Cruz said the judicial system had mistreated her more than her ex.
Similarly, prosecutors detailed their efforts to contact Rodríguez Resto.
“Regardless of the evidence that the State has, Andrea’s testimony is vital to be able to prove all the charges in the indictment. The Public Ministry is not prepared to present the case,” she added.
“We cannot revictimize the victim. It is the Public Ministry that has the power to determine whether or not to continue with the case. It is the state that decides if, with the evidence it has, it can prove its case. The witnesses have to know that they have responsibility, but the doors cannot be closed to a person who says they are a victim of domestic violence to be heard in court,” he added.
Yesterday, prosecutors Velero Ramírez and Juan Carlos Goyco asked Judge Cruz Vélez to postpone the trial after Ojeda Cruz, better known by her nickname on social media as “La Peki,” and Rodríguez Resto did not show up for trial. .
The magistrate agreed to the request, but not before noting that today was the last day stipulated by the parties to begin the legal process against the former world boxing champion.
“The Public Ministry has the power to continue with the case and consider whether it has enough evidence. I am going to summon the case for tomorrow to give the prosecutors the opportunity to continue taking steps to get the witnesses,” Judge Cruz Vélez had said yesterday, reminding the court that the witnesses “have a responsibility when [the authorities ] file charges.”
“Everything has repercussions. A person was accused based on information given by a witness”, stressed the magistrate.
For his part, the defense of the former boxer, led by Mr. Jaime Barceló Sosa, had yesterday reiterated his determination that the trial be by jury, while he stated that he was “prepared” for the process. With today’s decision, there will be no trial.
