Woman found guilty in murder of 16-year-old that shocked Puerto Rico

A court in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, found Elvia Cabrera Rivera, 40, guilty of the 2025 murder of 16-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts. The verdict followed a 23-day trial, and sentencing is scheduled for September 10.

Cabrera Rivera's daughter, 18-year-old Anthonieska Avilés, is also accused in the crime. During the trial, witnesses testified that Cabrera Rivera removed a sharp object from her purse and gave it to her daughter before Pratts was killed. The prosecution contended that Cabrera Rivera provided the weapon used in the fatal stabbing during a fight at a summer-end party.

Cabrera Rivera faced charges including first-degree murder and illegal possession of a bladed weapon. Justice Secretary Lourdes L. Gómez stated that justice had been served for Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario and her family. "Without the delivery of the murder weapon, Gabriela would be alive today," Gómez said, emphasizing the prosecution's solid case.

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Without the delivery of the murder weapon, Gabriela would be alive today. From day one, I maintained that the prosecution had a solid case, supported by evidence, and this verdict reaffirms our unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

Gómez expressed solidarity with Pratts' family, acknowledging that no court decision can erase their pain but hoping the verdict provides certainty that their voices were heard. She assured the public of the Justice Department's continued commitment to independence and objectivity in seeking justice. The trial for Cabrera Rivera's daughter is expected to begin soon.

Puerto Rico Governor Jennifer González Colón reacted to the conviction, stating that the involvement of peers in a child's death and a mother's participation affects everyone. However, relatives of Cabrera Rivera maintained her innocence outside the courthouse, claiming the system failed her.

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A child having to die at the hands of peers and a mother being involved in a murder affects us all.