Yusnier Alfaro-Yera, a 25-year-old resident of West Palm Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life on April 17, 2019, in a horrific incident that also claimed the lives of his twin brother, Yasmar Alfaro-Yera, and their sister, Yasnai Moliner-Yera. The siblings were recent immigrants from Cuba, seeking a new life in the United States. The tragic event unfolded in their home, where they were shot to death by Yasnai's ex-boyfriend, Yuniel Martinez-De La Cotera.
Martinez-De La Cotera, who had a tumultuous relationship with Yasnai, called 911 after the shooting, claiming he acted in self-defense. He was found standing in the driveway with his young son and was promptly taken into custody by deputies.
The investigation revealed that Martinez-De La Cotera had a history of mental and emotional abuse towards Yasnai, who had filed a petition for protection against him just a week before the murders. She expressed fear for her life, citing his irrational behavior and accusations of infidelity. Despite her efforts to seek legal protection, the court date was scheduled for April 24, 2019, a week after the tragic incident. On the night of the murders, witnesses reported hearing a woman screaming for help followed by several gunshots. Yasnai was found shot in the head in the driveway, while the bodies of her brothers were discovered inside the apartment.
Martinez-De La Cotera was charged with three counts of first-degree murder. During his trial, he maintained that he acted in self-defense, claiming that the victims had tortured him and his child. However, investigators found no evidence to support his claims of a struggle. The court proceedings revealed a troubled past between Martinez-De La Cotera and Yasnai, with the latter's family describing the former's actions as premeditated and devoid of remorse. In May 2022, Martinez-De La Cotera pleaded guilty to the murders and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The sentencing brought some closure to the victims' family, who expressed their gratitude to the judge but remained heartbroken over the loss of their loved ones.
