Ronald Lopez Andrade was found guilty of raping and killing 30-year-old Yaimi Guevara Machado, eight years after her body was found in a grassy area in a Hialeah motel. Despite not all jurors deeming the crime to be heinous, atrocious, or cruel, they still recommended the death penalty in an 8-4 vote. The murder was committed while Lopez Andrade was engaged in the commission of sexual battery. The tragic incident occurred when Machado was locked out of her room at the Chesapeake Motel and encountered Lopez Andrade, who tried to make advances towards her. When she refused, he became enraged, leading to a struggle, followed by rape and strangulation.
The South Florida family of Machado was devastated by her death, and the motel was ordered to pay $12 million to her parents due to staff negligence. The staff had sold Lopez Andrade alcohol, assisted him in finding a prostitute, and allowed him to remain on the property despite not being a guest. The lawsuit also claimed that staff did not take action when Lopez Andrade sought sexual favors from a housekeeper.
Lopez Andrade will have another hearing later this year for sentencing, where the judge will have the final say. This marks the second time this year in Miami-Dade that a jury has recommended the death penalty, as in another case, Ysrael Granda was recommended for ordering the killing of his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend and is awaiting sentencing.
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