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The Cuban Rafael Luján was arrested this Tuesday, charged with first-degree murder, months after his wife died from a cocaine overdose, authorities reported.
According to the arrest report from the Hialeah Police Department, Luján, 37 years old, provided his wife with the drug that necessitated her urgent transfer to a hospital, where she passed away four days later.
Just before 12:30 a.m. on May 28, police officers arrived at the couple's home in the 3500 block of West 89th Place, following a call about a woman who was found unconscious, the document stated, as cited by the channel Local10 News.
Fire and rescue personnel from Hialeah immediately transported the victim to Palmetto General Hospital.
In the couple's residence, the police found a small plastic bag containing a white powdery substance, which tested positive for cocaine.
A blood sample taken from the victim also tested positive for that substance. The woman, whose name is not mentioned in the police report, was declared dead on June first.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office concluded that the cause of death was an acute combined intoxication of cocaine and ethanol.
The report states that Luján provided the drug to his wife, which led to her death. "Based on the fact that the illegal distribution of cocaine by the accused to the victim caused her death, the accused was arrested and charged accordingly," the document specifies.
In addition to the charge of first-degree murder for cocaine, the Cuban faces another charge for possession of that narcotic.
Luján is currently incarcerated at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center (TGK) and appeared in court this Wednesday. Judge Mindy Glazer ordered that he remain detained without bail.
The newspaper The Miami Herald revealed that the defendant submitted a written plea of not guilty at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender's Office, through his defense attorney.
He is scheduled to appear before the court again on October 28.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rafael Luján Case in Hialeah
Who is Rafael Luján and what is he accused of?
Rafael Luján is a 37-year-old Cuban who was arrested in Hialeah, charged with first-degree murder for supplying a lethal dose of cocaine to his wife, which resulted in her death. He also faces a charge of cocaine possession.
What was the arrest of Rafael Luján like?
On May 28, 2025, the Hialeah police responded to a call at the couple's home, where they found Luján's wife unconscious. Luján was arrested after tests confirmed the presence of cocaine in his wife's system, who passed away on June 1. The police found a bag of cocaine in the residence, which led to his arrest.
What is the context of violence and crime in Hialeah?
Hialeah has been the scene of several recent violent incidents, including murders, attempted homicides, and drug trafficking. The community is facing a security crisis involving several Cuban citizens in serious crimes. Authorities have intensified control measures and are appealing for citizen cooperation to combat this wave of violence.
How does the case of Rafael Luján affect the broader problem of drug trafficking?
The case of Rafael Luján reflects the growing problem of drug trafficking in communities like Hialeah, where illegal drugs are linked to incidents of domestic violence and homicides. This case adds to other incidents that emphasize the urgent need to address drug trafficking and its consequences in society.
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