The family of a former police officer accused of kidnapping and hit a homeless Cuban He demonstrated this Monday in front of a Miami court in opposition to the jury's verdict.
Rafael Otaño's family appeared with signs calling for his release in front of the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building, according to local media. Local 10 News.
"I'm here because since I was a child my son wanted to be a police officer. Today he is like a bird whose wings were cut," said Otaño's mother, Juana Teresa Quinones, while shouting that her son was innocent.
Otaño and Lorenzo Orfila were accused of armed kidnapping and injuries after, according to the prosecution, they responded to a disturbance call, detained José Ortega-Gutiérrez and took him to an isolated location outside of Hialeah to beat him.
Orfila and Otaño did not file a report about the incident and did not call their supervisors, as protocol requires of police officers.
During the week that lasted judgment, jurors heard from Otano's former co-workers in Hialeah who testified against him. Police say the car's GPS data and cell phone records place Otano near the crime scene.
"My son is in jail for a man who today drinks and enjoys his life," said Otaño's mother.
Ortega-Gutiérrez admitted he was an alcoholic and claimed he was beaten by police. They left bruises on his face.
The jury found enough evidence to convict Otaño of kidnapping, but not assault. His relatives do not agree with the verdict and hope that the governor will intervene to free him.
Micheal Pizzi and Stephen Lopez, Otaño's attorneys, declined to comment on the protest. Records show they have filed petitions to have him released pending an appeal.
Otaño could be sentenced to life in prison. No date has been set for his sentencing.
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