Recently, new details have surfaced regarding the relationship between Yannelis de la Caridad Casales, a 30-year-old Cuban woman, and Carlos Yordanis Aldana, 38. Their relationship ended in tragedy when Aldana allegedly killed Yannelis last weekend in Jacksonville, Florida.
The pair first met in Cuba, at a time when Carlos was living in the United States. Three years ago, during a vacation to the island, Carlos was detained due to an unresolved legal issue, though specifics have not been disclosed. He served a three-year sentence in Cuba. In the meantime, Yannelis traveled to the U.S. on an I-220A document, striving to settle and hoping to reunite with Carlos to build a future together.
On March 16, the couple shared a heartfelt reunion at a Florida airport. "You're the dream I always prayed for. Welcome home," Yannelis posted on Facebook along with a video of Carlos's arrival. Sadly, less than two weeks later, in the early hours of March 30, Carlos allegedly stabbed Yannelis 15 times for reasons yet unknown.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning in an apartment complex in Arlington, Jacksonville, located in Duval County. When police arrived, they found Carlos with knife wounds on his left hand and shin. He received immediate medical attention at the scene before being transported to a local hospital. After his release, he was taken into custody at the Duval County Jail, where he remains.
Family's Heartbreak and Plea for Help
From Santiago de Cuba, Yannelis's father and brother have expressed their deep sorrow over the tragedy. "How can you imagine what it's like for a father and a mother... when she was my only daughter?" her father mourned in an interview with Telemundo 51. "This has shocked me because, as far as I know, he was never a violent person. I am at a loss for words," he added, puzzled by the lack of explanation for the event.
"Only my daughter, now in another world, and he, who is in custody, know the truth," concluded her grieving father, who seeks assistance to bring her body back to Cuba for a proper burial. "I hope they make the effort to bring her here and give her the burial she deserves," he reiterated.
Yannelis's brother, Jorge, also remains in disbelief. In a statement to Univision, he recounted learning about the incident from a friend in the U.S. and struggling to inform their mother. "Yannelis was always a kind, joyful person," a friend of the deceased also shared.
Family and friends have voiced their grief on social media and initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and the costs of repatriating Yannelis's body to Cuba. The fundraising effort aims to collect $16,000, with $11,231 already raised from 293 donations as of this report.
Understanding the Tragic Events in Jacksonville
What led to the murder of Yannelis de la Caridad Casales?
The exact reasons behind the murder remain unclear, but it is known that Carlos Yordanis Aldana allegedly stabbed Yannelis 15 times. The motivations for this act have not been disclosed.
What is the current status of Carlos Yordanis Aldana?
After being treated for his injuries at a local hospital, Carlos Yordanis Aldana was taken into custody and is currently held at the Duval County Jail.
How is the family coping with the loss?
Yannelis's family, particularly her father and brother, are devastated by her loss. They have expressed their grief publicly and are seeking help to bring her body back to Cuba for burial.