Family and friends of Yosdany Rivero Morales, a 34-year-old Cuban man who was murdered in Tampa last Saturday, are seeking financial assistance to cover his funeral expenses. Maribel Peña, who identified herself as the victim's aunt, initiated a fundraising campaign on the Ever Loved platform with a goal of $12,000. As of the time of writing, they have raised $1,370.
"We are coming together, family and friends, to help with the cost of the funeral. Yosdany's death was unexpected, and we are heartbroken and lack the funds needed to pay for his funeral," Peña wrote. She assured that all funds raised will be allocated to the funeral expenses. "Please use the following details to contribute. We deeply appreciate everyone's support and solidarity," she said.
To contribute, Peña shared her Zelle account number: 56 166 602 21. "There is no comfort, only the consolation that we can give him a final farewell alongside his parents, his child, his only sister, and all who loved him in life," Yosdany's aunt added.
The Facebook group "Revolico Sagua la Grande" has also joined the call for donations to help send Yosdany's remains back to Cuba.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The accused in the murder of this young Cuban man is Silvio Ramón Franco Peralta, a 35-year-old native of Sagua la Grande, which appears to be Yosdany's hometown as well. After murdering his partner, Lianet Sosa Santos, a 31-year-old Cuban woman, Franco Peralta fled to 8710 N. Packwood Ave. on the outskirts of Tampa. There, he had an altercation with Yosdany, who was reportedly his friend, and ended up killing him as well.
The suspect told police that he had gone to Yosdany's house to confess the murder of Sosa and asked for help disposing of the weapon and other belongings. According to authorities, an altercation ensued, and Franco fatally stabbed Yosdany. The suspect claimed that Yosdany had drawn a firearm, but evidence does not support this claim, officials said.
Franco currently faces seven charges related to both murders and the ensuing chase: two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery of a dwelling with assault or battery, motor vehicle theft, aggravated fleeing to elude, driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license, and resisting an officer without violence.
Family members of the other victim, a mother of a five-year-old girl, have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, with a goal of $15,000. As of the time of writing, they have raised $11,871.
FAQs on the Tampa Murder Case
Here are some frequently asked questions about the tragic incident in Tampa, involving the murder of Yosdany Rivero Morales and Lianet Sosa Santos.
Who is Yosdany Rivero Morales?
Yosdany Rivero Morales was a 34-year-old Cuban man who was murdered in Tampa. His friends and family are raising funds for his funeral expenses.
What led to the altercation between Franco Peralta and Yosdany Rivero Morales?
Silvio Ramón Franco Peralta went to Yosdany's house to confess to another murder and asked for help disposing of evidence. An altercation ensued, leading to Yosdany's death.
What charges is Franco Peralta facing?
Franco Peralta faces seven charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, motor vehicle theft, and several others related to his actions during the incident.