# Detention ordered for Navarrete adolescent homicide suspect > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/navarrete-adolescent-homicide-and-assault-investigation > Updated: 2026-10-08T00:46:38.000Z. Sources: 74. Developments: 2. Authorities in Navarrete, Dominican Republic, recovered the body of 13-year-old Yosnely Álvarez from the Yaque del Norte river following a three-day search operation involving the National Police, the Dominican Army, and Civil Defense. The investigation centers on Edwin Reinaldo Rodríguez Cruz, 29, who surrendered to police after admitting to attacking two female teenagers with a knife. While Rodríguez Cruz claimed the encounter was consensual and the violence stemmed from a dispute, the surviving 14-year-old victim has alleged that both girls were victims of sexual assault. The Public Ministry alleges the suspect used a motorcycle to transport the victims to a remote area near the river, where the survivor managed to escape by hiding in the brush during the attack. A judge in Santiago has ordered 12 months of preventive detention for Rodríguez Cruz, though the Public Ministry had originally requested 18 months. He will serve his time at the CCR Rafey Hombres correctional center. He faces charges including feminicide, aggravated sexual violation, torture, death threats, and the use of a weapon. The case has prompted discussions regarding the supervision and protection of the minors, as they were residing with relatives rather than their biological parents at the time of the incident. Forensic studies remain ongoing to determine the exact cause of death. To protect the survivor’s privacy and prevent re-victimization, the court has also authorized the early collection of evidence from her. ## Claims - A judge imposed 12 months of preventive detention on the suspect. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Public Ministry requested 18 months of preventive detention. (disputed by 2 sources) - Edwin Reinaldo Rodríguez Cruz is accused of killing 13-year-old Yosnely Álvarez. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The victim's body was recovered from the Yaque del Norte River. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The suspect allegedly used a knife during the attack. (corroborated by 6 sources) - A 14-year-old survivor was able to hide in the brush to escape. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The suspect is accused of aggravated sexual violation against a 14-year-old survivor. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The suspect will serve preventive detention at the CCR Rafey Hombres center. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The suspect surrendered to authorities and admitted to being with the teenagers. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-08: Edwin Reinaldo Rodríguez Cruz detained for murder of teenager in Navarrete Edwin Reinaldo Rodríguez Cruz has been ordered into 12 months of preventive detention for the murder of 13-year-old Yosnely Álvarez and the sexual assault of a 14-year-old in Navarrete, Dominican Republic. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/navarrete-body-of-14-year-old-girl-found-in-yaque-del-norte-river ### 2026-10-05: Navarrete: Body of 14-year-old girl found in Yaque del Norte river The body of a 14-year-old girl was recovered from the Yaque del Norte river in Navarrete, Dominican Republic, after a multi-day search. A suspect is in custody facing investigation for assault and sexual abuse. 44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santiago-man-surrenders-in-connection-with-missing-teenager --- Cite as: Detention ordered for Navarrete adolescent homicide suspect. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/navarrete-adolescent-homicide-and-assault-investigation