Professional boxer Yuriorkis Gamboa, who has been stranded in Cuba for over a year and a half after a fatal traffic accident, has been acquitted in the trial regarding the incident. In a video posted on Instagram, Gamboa explained that the trial took place on July 11, and a month and a day later, on August 12, the judge issued a verdict clearing him of all charges.
"I never felt guilty. I regret the deceased person and the situation of their family," Gamboa stated, emphasizing that a fair trial was conducted without violating waiting periods, which have been challenging for him as he has been stuck on the island since December 31, 2022, when the accident occurred.
"The process was fair and took the necessary time. There was no need for bribery, as some have suggested on social media. It took a while, and it was a tough wait for me, but the right thing was done, and it was finally proven that I was not at fault," the boxer from Guantánamo highlighted.
Referring to the accident in which a pedestrian was fatally struck, Gamboa noted that "in two seconds, it's impossible to avoid an accident from ten meters away." He pointed out that laws in Cuba changed in 2022 with the new Penal Code, stating that those not at fault in an accident are not subject to imprisonment.
Gamboa, who fervently thanked his lawyer, expressed hope to return to Miami by the end of August and resume his professional boxing career as soon as possible. For now, the 42-year-old boxer is focused on celebrating his acquittal with his loved ones.
The Accident
On December 31, 2022, Yuriorkis Gamboa, who has resided in the United States for years, was driving a rental car when he fatally struck a pedestrian in the Songo la Maya tunnel in Santiago de Cuba. The Olympic champion from Athens and four-time world champion in three different divisions was immediately detained and sought legal assistance to present his case.
He was released on bail on March 1, 2023, but with the restriction of not being allowed to leave the country until the trial. After being released from jail in Santiago de Cuba, Gamboa moved to his home in Guantánamo to await the trial date from the Prosecutor’s Office.
In April this year, it was revealed that the Cuban government had confiscated his passport to ensure his stay in the country. One of the factors in Gamboa's favor was that the road section where the accident occurred was not illuminated. Close associates of the boxer indicated that he was not under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances at the time of the accident. In 2006, Gamboa defected during a physical training in Venezuela alongside Odlanier Solís and Yan Barthelemy. They moved to Colombia and, after a brief stay in Germany, arrived in Miami.
Yuriorkis Gamboa's Trial and Acquittal: Key Insights
For those seeking detailed information about Yuriorkis Gamboa's recent trial and subsequent acquittal, here are some essential questions and answers.
What was Yuriorkis Gamboa accused of?
Yuriorkis Gamboa was accused of causing a fatal traffic accident in Cuba on December 31, 2022, where a pedestrian was killed.
When did the trial take place?
The trial was held on July 11, 2023, and the verdict was issued on August 12, 2023.
What was the outcome of the trial?
Yuriorkis Gamboa was acquitted of all charges related to the accident. The judge ruled that he was not at fault.
What factors helped Gamboa's acquittal?
One significant factor was that the road section where the accident happened was not illuminated. Additionally, Gamboa was not under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances at the time of the incident.