Zadiel Rivero, a 44-year-old Cuban national, has been handed a 40-year prison sentence following his conviction for the murder of 31-year-old Frank Canet in February 2019 outside Canet's home in Hialeah Gardens. Despite claiming he acted in self-defense, the jury rejected Rivero's account of the events.
Rivero's brother, Zandy de la Osa, who was also on trial for his involvement in the incident, was acquitted and released last September. During the trial, Zadiel Rivero admitted to stabbing Canet 29 times, insisting he feared for his life and that of his brother. He testified that Canet was under the influence of drugs and had made death threats against him. Regardless, the jury found Rivero guilty of second-degree murder.
Zandy de la Osa was seen in a video holding a metal pipe and helping to restrain Canet. His acquittal was described by his attorney, Jonathan Jordan, as a "unique circumstance." In a show of solidarity, Zandy pleaded with the judge for leniency for his brother, portraying him as a "good brother and father." Rivero's mother also spoke in his defense, emphasizing his dedication to his family.
However, Judge Miguel De La O determined that the violent nature of the crime contradicted Rivero's self-defense claim. "You reached into your pocket to pull out the knife, and then what you did to this man was truly horrific," the judge remarked. Although prosecutors sought a life sentence, the judge decided on a 40-year term instead.
Rivero faces additional legal troubles, as he is also charged with sexually abusing a child alongside his wife.
The Crime
The fatal encounter occurred on the night of February 11, 2019, in the parking area of a residence on Northwest 112th Terrace. Security footage captured the altercation between Rivero and Canet, showing Rivero stabbing Canet multiple times in the torso with a kitchen knife before throwing him to the ground.
Zandy de la Osa then placed his left leg and a metal pipe over Canet's body to prevent him from getting up. When Canet managed to escape and reach his vehicle, Rivero pursued him. Canet's girlfriend, Dilaxy Madruga, who was 18 at the time, attempted to call 911, but Rivero disconnected the call by taking her phone. The couple fled to Mount Sinai Hialeah Medical Center, where Canet succumbed to his injuries.
Zadiel Rivero, who will be about 70 years old upon his release, leaves his family in a state of mixed emotions, torn between the sorrow of his conviction and the relief of Zandy's acquittal.