Calls for justice after the murder of a Cuban woman by her partner in Florida: "It cannot be classified as second-degree."

Cubans in the U.S. are demanding that the murder of Yannelis Casales be classified as first-degree. The young woman was stabbed 13 times, and the accused confessed to the crime.

Carlos Yordanis Aldana and Yannelis De La Caridad Casales AntónPhoto © Facebook / Melani Melissa Omo Oshun

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The Cuban community in Florida is in shock over the murder of Yannelis de la Caridad Casales Antón, 30 years old, that took place on March 30 in Jacksonville at the hands of her partner, Carlos Yordanis Aldana, 38 years old and newly arrived in the United States.

Family and friends of the victim expressed their outrage on social media, calling for the charges against Aldana to be upgraded to first-degree murder.

One of them is Melani Melissa Omo Oshun, who requested on Facebook: "Share this and give it as many likes as possible and put 'Justice for Yanelis'. This cannot be ignored, it must not be overlooked."

"Here, no one has the right to kill anyone; it was 13 stab wounds. How is it possible for him to stay in second degree if that was premeditated? Besides that, in the video I saw, he said: 'I killed her, I killed her, I killed her.' He knew what he was doing," she questioned.

Facebook Capture / Melani Melissa Omo Oshun

Omo Oshun emphasized the seriousness of the act, reminding that Yannelis was a woman who fought for her family and did not deserve such a fate

"He killed a girl who was open to love from all kinds of people, an adorable woman, a woman who was fighting to see her family again. (...) He killed a young girl with so much purpose, one who loved him and cared for him; if she hadn't loved him, she wouldn't have gotten back together with that trash," he added.

According to reports from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Yannelis's body was found in the bedroom of an apartment in the Arlington complex. She had received 13 stab wounds, indicating possible premeditation in the attack

Aldana, who was found at the scene, had injuries on his left hand and left shin. He was taken to a local hospital for medical attention; later, he was arrested and taken to the Duval County jail, where he remains in custody, charged with murder.

Yannelis had been living in the United States for three years. On March 17, she shared on social media the emotional reunion with Aldana at the airport, following his arrival in the country.

However, two weeks later, the tragic event occurred. Reports indicate that Aldana had previously been sanctioned in Cuba for three years before emigrating.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover funeral costs in the United States and the repatriation of Yannelis' body to Cuba. So far, more than $13,300 have been raised of the $16,000 needed. The family aims to avoid cremation and give her a final farewell in her homeland.

This tragic event highlights the issue of domestic violence and calls for reflection on the consequences of jealousy and distrust in romantic relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about the feminicide of Yannelis Casales and gender violence in Florida

Who was Yannelis de la Caridad Casales Antón?

Yannelis de la Caridad Casales Antón was a 30-year-old Cuban woman who had been living in Jacksonville, Florida for three years. She was stabbed to death by her partner, Carlos Yordanis Aldana, on March 30, 2025. Yannelis was known for being a strong, lovable woman who was cherished by her community.

Why is it requested that the charge against Carlos Yordanis Aldana be elevated to first-degree murder?

It is requested that the charge be elevated to first-degree murder due to the premeditation of the act. Yannelis received 13 stab wounds, and there is evidence, such as a video in which Aldana confesses to the crime, indicating that it was a premeditated act. The community and the victim's family demand justice so that the crime does not remain classified as second-degree.

How is the Cuban community in Florida reacting to the femicide of Yannelis?

The Cuban community in Florida is deeply saddened and has expressed its outrage through social media. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover the funeral expenses and the repatriation of Yannelis's body to Cuba, as well as to demand justice for her murder. So far, more than $13,300 have been raised of the $16,000 needed.

What is the current situation of Carlos Yordanis Aldana?

Carlos Yordanis Aldana, the alleged murderer of Yannelis, was arrested on the same day as the crime. He is currently in custody at the Duval County Jail in Florida. He had injuries on his hand and shin at the time of his arrest, which were treated at a local hospital before his transfer to the jail.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.