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The family of Miguel Mondragón Jaimes, a 49-year-old man who was murdered by five Cubans during a robbery in Austin, Texas, issued a call to the community to prevent the release of the accused and to seek justice.
In a series of posts on Facebook, Jaimes Jasmin, the victim’s daughter, expressed her outrage that the county prosecutor's office recently dropped one of the charges against Alejandro Hurtado-Reyes, identified as the leader of the criminal organization FBM, who is currently out on bail.
"We ask you to exercise caution, as this individual has been described as dangerous," he wrote.
The young woman recalled that her father was ambushed in the early hours of August 3 by five hooded and armed individuals, who blocked the truck he was traveling in with other people.
After opening fire on the vehicle, Mondragón attempted to escape on foot, but was caught by Héctor Yohany Achang Batlle, who shot him fatally. Afterwards, another attacker robbed him of his belongings, including money, a cellphone, and a watch.
The accused, all Cubans, are named Yanaris Reyes (29 years old), Alejandro Hurtado-Reyes (22), Antonio González (17), Yurisander Góngora Rojas (19), and Héctor Yohany Achang Batlle (19). They were arrested days later.
They face charges of capital murder, although the family fears that low bail amounts and the dismissal of charges could put them back on the streets.
"We demand justice. The authorities are granting extremely low bail amounts to these individuals, which does not ensure they receive the punishment they deserve. We cannot allow them to be free again as if nothing has happened..." the young woman stated.
"We have heard of many other victims who have also suffered at the hands of these same individuals. This is not just about justice for my father, but for each one of those people who have yet to be heard," Jasmin stated in another message, in which she urged the community to contact the Prosecutor’s Office to demand that the charges be upheld.
The family also warns that the detainees confessed to having carried out other robberies in northern Austin and Pflugerville, primarily targeting Hispanics, taking advantage of many immigrants' fear of reporting due to concerns about being questioned regarding their immigration status.
"We ask the community to help us. If you have been a victim of theft, especially in these areas, please report it. This will help ensure that these individuals have criminal records and are not treated as if this were their 'first' offense," said Mondragón's daughter.
Amidst the pain, loved ones have organized activities to provide financial support for the deceased's children.
Lorena Jaimes, the victim's niece, launched a solidarity raffle aimed at raising funds for the family, which is still facing the expenses related to the crime and the burial.
The case has generated significant outrage in Austin and in Hispanic communities across Texas, where reports of violent actions by organized gangs are increasing.
Local authorities reiterated the call for anyone who has been a victim of similar thefts to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477, to strengthen the case against the accused.
"Every small gesture helps. Share this story. Report it. Raise your voice," wrote Jaimes Jasmin in another post, convinced that only through citizen pressure will her father's death be brought to justice.
Frequently Asked Questions about the murder case in Texas and the violence situation related to Cubans
Who was Miguel Mondragón Jaimes and what happened to him?
Miguel Mondragón Jaimes was a 49-year-old man murdered in Austin, Texas, during a robbery carried out by five Cubans. He was ambushed while traveling in a pickup truck and, after attempting to flee, was caught and killed by the attackers, who also stole his belongings. The family is seeking justice to prevent the release of the accused.
Who are the accused in the murder of Miguel Mondragón?
The accused are five Cuban citizens: Yanaris Reyes, Alejandro Hurtado-Reyes, Antonio González, Yurisander Góngora Rojas, and Héctor Yohany Achang Batlle. They face charges of capital murder, and the community is concerned about the low bail amounts granted, which could facilitate their release.
Why is Miguel Mondragón's family asking for help from the community?
Miguel Mondragón's family is asking the community for help to prevent the release of the accused and ensure that justice is served. They have expressed concern over the low bail amounts and the dismissal of some charges, and they are urging other victims to report similar thefts to strengthen the case against the accused.
How can people who have been victims of similar robberies help?
People who have been victims of similar robberies can help by reporting these incidents to the Austin Police Department or to Crime Stoppers. This will help create criminal records for the accused and strengthen the judicial case against them, preventing their premature release.
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