Criminal sentencing in Dominican Republic

Recent judicial rulings in the Dominican Republic have resulted in significant prison sentences for violent crimes.

In Espaillat province, Junior Roberandy Rodríguez was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2024 murder of his former partner, Crisleidy Yanet Rosario. The court found that Rodríguez killed Rosario with a knife following a history of domestic abuse. The defendant was also ordered to pay 3 million Dominican pesos in compensation to the victim’s family.

In the National District, Yokeiry Coronado De La Cruz and Jeider Montero Medina received 30-year sentences for the torture and death of a seven-year-old girl, Emailing Coronado, in August 2025. The Second Collegiate Court of the National District found the pair guilty of homicide, torture, and child abuse. Evidence, including forensic reports and images from a mobile device, revealed a pattern of “highly abusive, ruthless” maltreatment, including burns to the victim's hands and nails.

Coronado, the girl's aunt, was identified as a primary aggressor. Montero Medina was convicted as a co-author for having knowledge of the abuse and failing to report it. During the proceedings, Judge Yissel Soto noted the abuse showed an “aggravated contempt for human life.” While Coronado expressed regret, Montero Medina maintained his innocence, claiming his work schedule prevented him from knowing the extent of the abuse; however, investigators determined he had a “key” connection to the crimes via evidence found on his mobile device. The defendants will serve their sentences at the Najayo Hombres and Najayo Mujeres correctional centers and were ordered to pay five million pesos in compensation to the victim's mother.