Once held as the rising star, destined to carry Puerto Rican boxing to new heights, Félix Verdejo’s fall from grace was solidified with the announcement of two life sentences. The culmination of his trial for the brutal murder of his pregnant partner, Keishla Rodriguez, invoked a mix of emotions in the courtroom, as her family delivered heartfelt speeches in her honour.
Vedejo’s legal journey began in July, marked by his conviction for kidnapping Keishla Rodriguez which led to the death of an unborn child. His attorney claimed that he intended to appeal the sentencing. A friend of Verdejo’s, also charged in the case, said the former boxer had pressured Keishla Rodriguez to get an abortion, punched her and injected her with a toxic substance before he threw her off a busy bridge in broad daylight.
Verdejo had participated in the 2012 Olympics and become a professional boxer the same year. He won his first 23 fights in a row and was tabbed by several publications. He finished his career in the lightweight division with a 27-2 record, with 17 knockouts.
The Puerto Ricon Police Commissioner, Antonio Lopez, highlighted the significance that “It doesn’t matter how much fame, money or power you think you have. If you break the law, you will have to respond”. The case stunned many in the US and across the world encouraging the future demand for better protection for women.
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik