Joan Manuel Jiménez Medina surrenders in connection with fatal iPhone scam

Joan Manuel Jiménez Medina has surrendered to authorities in Neiba, Dominican Republic, regarding his alleged involvement in a fraudulent iPhone sale that led to the death of 23-year-old Emmanuel Contreras Medina.

According to the Public Ministry, the incident began when Contreras transferred RD$15,000 to Jiménez Medina for an iPhone 15 Pro Max advertised on Facebook Marketplace. Investigations suggest Jiménez Medina coordinated a meeting at the La Javilla baseball stadium in the Los Praditos sector of the National District. However, the actual owner of the phone, Lenin Jhericop Núñez de León, had listed the device for RD$35,000.

A confrontation occurred when Contreras attempted to leave with the device. Núñez de León, who is already in custody, allegedly pursued and struck Contreras multiple times with a baseball bat. Contreras remained in critical condition at the Ney Arias Lora Traumatological Hospital for nearly two months before passing away on September 9, 2026.

Jiménez Medina is currently held at the Ciudad Nueva Palace of Justice awaiting a formal request for coercive measures from the Public Ministry.