In a late Wednesday evening decision, although not all jurors deemed the crime to be heinous, atrocious, or cruel, they still recommended death as a potential punishment in an 8-4 vote.
Machado found herself in a predicament when she was locked out of her room at the Chesapeake Motel on West Okeechobee Road. Unfortunately, she had not finished getting dressed at the time.
Ronald Lopez Andrade arrived at the motel lobby at around 4:30 a.m., where he purchased four beers and cigarettes, according to the report. He proceeded to harass both the cleaning lady and the clerk, inquiring about the presence of any prostitutes on the premises.
Lopez Andrade encountered Machado, who was only wearing a bra and jeans, and kindly offered her his shirt. However, his demeanor changed when Machado declined his advances, leading to a heated altercation between them, according to the report.
Machado’s naked body was discovered in a grassy area on the motel property.
The South Florida family was deeply affected by the heartbreaking loss, and as a result, the Hialeah motel has been held accountable for its staff’s failure to prevent the woman’s tragic death. In a legal ruling, the motel has been ordered to pay the parents of the woman a substantial amount of $12 million. This decision reflects the recognition of the motel’s negligence and the devastating impact it had on the family.
Lopez Andrade’s criminal trial will continue later this year, and the judge will ultimately determine the sentencing.
A Miami-Dade jury has recommended the death sentence for Ysrael Granda, marking the second time this year that such a recommendation has been made. Granda, who was found guilty of orchestrating the murder of his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend, is currently awaiting his sentencing. The jury voted 8-4 in favor of the death penalty.