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A Cuban citizen was sentenced to 26 months in prison in the Cayman Islands after causing the death of her friend, another Cuban who was only 20 years old, in a traffic accident that occurred in 2022.
The media in the Cayman Islands explained that the judicial process for Ygnacia Rafaelina Francisco Payero, 42, was delayed due to holdups in the accident reconstruction reports, and this week, the court finally sentenced her to two years and two months in prison.
The case, which shocked the migrant community in George Town, dates back to the early morning of August 8, 2022, when Ygnacia Rafaelina Francisco Payero was speeding in a Honda Accord after leaving a bar. On board were her friend Aleiny Reve Villegas, a native of Villa Clara, and two other companions.
Payero lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another car and crashed into a concrete wall. Villegas died on the spot; the other passengers were severely injured.
In November 2024, Payero pleaded guilty to causing death due to reckless driving. She admitted to having consumed alcohol that night (two Hennessy cocktails) and exceeding the speed limit: she was driving at over 80 km/h in a 48 km/h zone.
Although he only held a learner's permit in the Cayman Islands, he had a valid driver's license in the Dominican Republic.
In its ruling, the court considered as mitigating factors the "genuine remorse" shown by the defendant, her close bond with the victim—described as a mother-daughter relationship—and her financial support to one of the survivors while the case was ongoing.
During the sentencing hearing, Aleiny's father presented an emotional impact statement.
The man described how the loss of his youngest daughter, just a month shy of turning 21, deeply affected him: he left his job as a driver, fell into depression, and saw the health of the deceased young woman's mother and grandmother deteriorate. Aleiny also provided financial support to her family in Cuba.
The court acknowledged that, although the accident had fatal consequences, Payero took responsibility from the outset, cooperated with the authorities, and had no prior criminal record.
For this reason, a sentence of two years and two months in prison was imposed, deducting the time already served in pre-trial detention.
In 2022, after the tragedy, Cuban residents in the Cayman Islands launched a fundraising campaign on the GoFundMe platform to repatriate the body of the young Aleiny Revé Villegas.
The young woman arrived in Grand Cayman in 2016, at just 15 years old, and worked in a store at Foster's Camana Bay.
"Her dream was to work hard to repay her grandmother for everything she did for her. To provide her family with a better life and travel the world. Her dream was to one day have her own house in the Cayman Islands and settle down and start a family," her older sister then said.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fatal Accident in the Cayman Islands
What was the sentence for Ygnacia Rafaelina Francisco Payero for the accident in the Cayman Islands?
Ygnacia Rafaelina Francisco Payero was sentenced to 26 months in prison for causing the death of her friend Aleiny Reve Villegas in a traffic accident.
What factors influenced the sentencing of Ygnacia Payero?
The court considered Ygnacia Payero's genuine remorse as mitigating factors, her close relationship with the victim, and her cooperation with justice. Additionally, it was noted that she had no prior criminal record.
How did the accident that caused the death of Aleiny Reve Villegas occur?
The accident occurred when Ygnacia Payero lost control of the vehicle at high speed after leaving a bar, crashing into a concrete wall. Aleiny Villegas died at the scene, and the other passengers were injured.
What repercussions did the accident have on Aleiny Reve Villegas's family?
The accident had a devastating impact on the family of Aleiny Reve Villegas. Her father quit his job and fell into depression, and the health of Aleiny's mother and grandmother deteriorated. Aleiny also provided financial support to her family in Cuba.
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