In a significant ruling, the Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico upheld the 99-year prison sentence of Francisco Hernández Rodríguez for the murder of Alvin Martínez Rivera. This decision, issued on June 26, 2026, affects Hernández Rodríguez, who was convicted of serious crimes including murder and the illegal use of a firearm. The court's ruling emphasizes the importance of proper jury instructions and the standards of evidence in criminal trials.
The case began on December 11, 2023, when the Public Ministry accused Hernández Rodríguez of violating Article 93(A) of the Puerto Rico Penal Code, which pertains to murder, and other related laws. The accusation stemmed from an incident on November 28, 2021, where Hernández Rodríguez allegedly shot and killed Martínez Rivera. Following a trial that took place over several days in July 2025, a jury found Hernández Rodríguez guilty on July 24, 2025. Subsequently, on September 30, 2025, the lower court sentenced him to 99 years in prison, which was to be served concurrently with one sentence and consecutively with others.
Hernández Rodríguez filed an appeal on October 24, 2025, challenging the lower court's decision. He raised several claims of error, including issues related to jury instructions, the interpretation of evidence, and the jury's verdict itself. He argued that the trial court failed to provide adequate instructions regarding his right to testify and that the jury's verdict was contradictory. The Public Ministry presented its arguments in response to Hernández Rodríguez's appeal on May 11, 2026.
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Rivera Marchand and joined by Judges Mateu Meléndez, Boria Vizcarrondo, and Robles Adorno, reviewed the case and ultimately confirmed the lower court's decision. The court stated, "The jury was properly instructed, and the evidence presented supported the verdict of guilt." Additionally, the court noted that the defense did not object to the jury instructions at the time they were given, which limited the grounds for appeal. The court emphasized that the trial court's instructions were consistent with legal standards and that the jury had the discretion to determine the credibility of witnesses.
This ruling has important implications for future criminal cases in Puerto Rico. It reinforces the principle that defendants must raise objections to jury instructions during the trial to preserve the right to appeal on those grounds. The court's decision also clarifies the standards for evaluating jury verdicts, particularly in cases where multiple charges are involved. By affirming the lower court's sentence, the Court of Appeals has set a precedent regarding the handling of jury instructions and the evaluation of evidence in criminal trials.
Looking ahead, Hernández Rodríguez may seek further legal recourse, including a potential appeal to the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, depending on the legal strategies his defense team chooses to pursue. However, the court's thorough examination of the trial proceedings and the adherence to established legal standards may present significant challenges for any further appeals.