A family has been devastated by a tragic adolescent altercation in Puerto Rico, and the community is calling for justice. On August 10, Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario, 16, was brutally murdered in Aibonito in front of her mother, Lisandra “Lisa” Rosario.
Gabriela, who would soon turn 17, had aspirations of becoming a psychologist. Before their differences worsened, she was close friends with her alleged attacker, 17-year-old Anthonieshka Avilés Cabrera, and was remembered as compassionate and animal-loving.
Desvío Roberto Colón was the scene of a brawl following an end-of-summer celebration. After her older sister was attacked, Gabriela intervened to protect her. Then, according to the prosecution, Anthonieshka and her mother, Elvia Cabrera Rivera, 40, used a bladed weapon against Gabriela. A friend who was attempting to shield Gabriela was seriously wounded three times, and she was stabbed eight times.
Restricted by others, Lisandra could only look on in horror. Shortly after midnight, Gabriela passed away from her wounds despite being taken to the hospital.
Police detained the mother-daughter suspects a few days later. With tears in her eyes, Lisandra yelled for justice as she faced them. Both are charged with first-degree murder and have a $1 million bail amount. Given the seriousness of the offense, Anthonieshka will face an adult trial.
The case is supported by forensic evidence, which includes a vehicle, bloodstained clothing, and a weapon. Additional arrests may be made, according to authorities, since witnesses say Gabriela’s mother was restrained by others during the assault.
Hundreds of people, including neighbors and classmates, attended Gabriela’s funeral in Aibonito. Online, pictures of Lisandra’s suffering went viral, inspiring indignation and camaraderie. One message said, “We all cry when a mother cries.”
The crime sparked “collective outrage,” according to Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Justice, who also promised accountability. Since then, Gabriela’s passing has served as a rallying cry for justice, remembering, and an end to needless violence throughout the island.
