Yessenia Rodriguez Marquez, a 44-year-old woman from Homestead, Florida, was fatally shot by her boyfriend, Alexander Roque, on the night of April 20, 2024. The incident occurred inside a white Hyundai Tucson, where Roque allegedly shot Marquez in the head.
After the shooting, Roque drove to the Florida City Police Station with Marquez's lifeless body in the passenger seat. Upon arrival, he surrendered to the police and confessed to the crime. Roque had contacted several people before turning himself in, including Marquez's estranged husband and his own cousin. He sent a photo of Marquez's body to her estranged husband and also made a video call via WhatsApp, showing the husband the victim's lifeless body. The cousin, after receiving a similar photo, advised Roque to turn himself in and subsequently called 911.
Police found Marquez's body in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, along with a revolver on the driver's side floorboard. First responders attempted to save her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Roque was arrested, charged with second-degree murder, and denied bond during his court appearance. The judge noted that the state may consider upgrading the charges to first-degree murder.
Marquez had recently moved to the United States from Cuba, seven months prior to her death, along with her 12-year-old daughter. She had been in a relationship with Roque for about three months. Her estranged husband alleged that Roque had been trying to control Marquez and her daughter against their will.
Neighbors described Roque as a quiet and calm individual, expressing shock at the news of his involvement in the crime. The Miami-Dade Police Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation into the death of Yessenia Rodriguez Marquez.
Marquez's family described her as a hard worker and a good mother who was happy to be in the United States. Her death has left a significant impact on her family, particularly her mother, who expressed immense pain and described Roque as "sadistic" and "evil." The community is also mourning the loss of a woman who was known for her quiet and hardworking nature.
