In the early morning hours of Saturday, November 11, 2023, a tragic femicide occurred in the municipality of Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Annette Virginia Ayala García, 35, was shot to death in her home by her partner, Andrés Kennedy Albert Amador, 48, in front of their two minor daughters.
The Facts
Around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, neighbors in the Riverview neighborhood in Bayamon heard multiple gunshots and screams coming from the couple’s residence. Shortly thereafter, Andres Kennedy called 911 to report that he had murdered Annette Virginia.
Upon arrival at the scene, police found Annette’s lifeless body with multiple gunshot wounds in her bedroom. Andres Kennedy was arrested at the scene carrying a 9-millimeter caliber Glock handgun, presumably the murder weapon.
The couple’s two daughters, ages 11 and 14, witnessed the crime. They were transported to the Administration for Families and Children.
Reaction and Consequences
Andres Kennedy was remanded in custody pending charges of femicide. In statements to the press, he admitted his guilt, said he was remorseful, and expressed his love for his daughters.
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This femicide is the 15th reported in Puerto Rico during 2023, two more than those that occurred on the same date last year.
Neighbors and those close to the couple indicated that they had no knowledge of a history of domestic violence, which is why the crime has shocked the community.
In the next few hours, the suspect is expected to be presented before a judge, who will determine if criminal charges will be imposed. He could receive a sentence of up to 99 years in prison if found guilty.
A Community in Shock
The terrible murder of Annette Virginia at the hands of her partner has shocked Puerto Rico. It once again brings to the table the serious problem of male violence that plagues the island. The community is crying out for justice for the victims and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.