Vinicio de la Cruz Calcaño sentenced to 20 years in prison for homicide in Samaná
The Collegiate Court of the Criminal Chamber of the Judicial District of Santa Bárbara de Samaná handed down a 20-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment against Vinicio de la Cruz Calcaño, after finding him guilty of voluntary manslaughter to the detriment of Martín Acosta. The judicial decision was based on articles 295 and 304 of the Dominican Penal Code, concluding that the evidence presented by the Public Prosecutor’s Office was conclusive in demonstrating the defendant’s responsibility.
Financial compensation and precautionary measures
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered civil compensation of three million Dominican pesos. This amount will be distributed equally between Aurora Espino, the victim’s wife, and his daughter, Maridania Acosta, who will each receive 1.5 million pesos. Additionally, a travel ban was issued for the convicted person, along with a restraining and protection order in favor of the family members for a period of two years.
Justice has sent a clear message after an exhaustive process where the evidence presented allowed the facts to be clarified and ensured that the person responsible for this crime serves their sentence.
Alofoke Deportes
Details of the judicial process
During the trial, the court made a particular decision regarding the firearm used in the incident, rejecting its forfeiture by determining that its legal status must be managed through an administrative procedure before the Ministry of Interior and Police. The full reading of the sentence has been scheduled for next October 1st at 4:00 in the afternoon.
- Prosecutors in charge: Marlene Rodríguez, Anni Concepción, and Daniel Misael Rijo.
- Legal representation for the family: Juan Carlos Ulloa and Juan Pedro Guillandeaux.
- Sectors involved: Transport associations from Nagua and Samaná provided their support to the family members throughout the development of the case.
Although the ruling was received with satisfaction by the victim’s legal representation and the community, the sentence is a first-instance decision. Therefore, the parties involved maintain the right to exercise the appeals they deem pertinent within the deadlines established by current legislation.
