Dominican court orders new trial for man in fatal stabbing case

The Second Criminal Court of Appeals has overturned a prior ruling that favored Jean André Pumarol Fernández, sending him to a full trial for the fatal stabbing of a neighbor. The court also ordered three months of preventive detention for Pumarol Fernández, to be served at the Anamuya center in Higüey.

Judges presiding over the appellate court, led by Ysis Muñiz Almonte, found that Pumarol Fernández must face a trial for the attack with a bladed weapon. This decision nullifies the ruling by Judge Deiby Timoteo Peguero of the Seventh Court of Instruction of the National District, who had previously dismissed the case. Peguero had argued that Pumarol Fernández was experiencing a psychotic episode when he attacked the victims.

The incident occurred on July 23, 2025, around 4:00 p.m. at the Naco Dorado IV Condominium. Pumarol Fernández attacked his neighbors, resulting in the death of 70-year-old Yolanda Handal Abugabir inside her apartment. He also injured at least five other individuals, including the victim's housekeeper and his own father.