A 57-year-old Cuban man, identified as Rafael Alfredo Montejo Luna, has been found guilty of second-degree murder for the death of his wife, Aleyda García, which occurred in April 2021 in the city of Clewiston, located in Hendry County, Florida. After committing the femicide, Montejo fled to Cuba, from where he was extradited to the United States in December of the same year.
The tragic incident took place on April 24, 2021, when the victim's son, worried about his inability to contact his mother, sought assistance from the Hendry County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to Aleyda's residence in Montura Ranch Estates, Clewiston, and upon arrival, found her lifeless on the bedroom floor. Investigations revealed she had been asphyxiated, and the scene exhibited clear signs of violence.
At the time of the crime, Aleyda García and Rafael Montejo Luna were in the midst of a turbulent divorce process, with a history of conflict that had required police intervention on several occasions. Montejo Luna was considered a person of interest from the start, especially after authorities discovered crucial evidence at the crime scene.
Key Evidence and Extradition
Among the incriminating evidence was Montejo's DNA found under the victim's nails, as well as the discovery of his mobile phone at the murder site. Additionally, license plate readers had captured images of his car driving near the residence at the time of the murder.
Despite being summoned by authorities multiple times, Montejo Luna never appeared before the police and ultimately fled to Cuba. An arrest warrant was first issued for Montejo Luna on November 3, 2021, after he failed to meet with the police as agreed. However, U.S. authorities issued an international arrest warrant, and in December, he was extradited from Cuba.
The man was detained by U.S. Customs on December 16, 2021, and handed over to the Hendry County Sheriff's Office on January 10, 2022, where he remained in custody with a bail set at $500,000. A jury has now found him guilty of the crime. The final sentence will be issued on September 10, when the judge is expected to determine the penalty he will face.
Details on Rafael Alfredo Montejo Luna's Conviction
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the case of Rafael Alfredo Montejo Luna and his conviction for the murder of Aleyda García.
What was the key evidence that led to Rafael Alfredo Montejo Luna's conviction?
The key evidence included Montejo's DNA found under the victim's nails, his mobile phone at the crime scene, and images of his car near the residence at the time of the murder.
When was Rafael Alfredo Montejo Luna extradited to the United States?
He was extradited from Cuba to the United States in December 2021 and detained by U.S. Customs on December 16, 2021.
When will the final sentence for Rafael Alfredo Montejo Luna be issued?
The final sentence will be issued on September 10, when the judge will determine the penalty he will face.