Individual Sentenced To Two Consecutive Life Sentences For Carjacking And Kidnapping Resulting In Murder

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Puerto Rico
23 December 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAN JUAN, P.R. –Jorge L. Rodríguez-Santos was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment for committing a carjacking that resulted in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and using a firearm during a crime of violence, announced United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. On May 10, 2019, Rodríguez-Santos was found guilty of all counts after a jury trial. United States District Court Judge Francisco A. Besosa presided over the trial. The FBI was in charge of the investigation.

On April 26, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Jorge L. Rodríguez-Santos, a.k.a. “Macho.” In May of 2019, during the trial, the government presented evidence proving that on October 10, 2015, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Rodríguez-Santos, aiding and abetting others, while carrying a firearm, carjacked, kidnapped, and murdered María L. Mayol-Rivera in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2, 924(j)(1), 1201(a)(1), and 2119(3).

The defendant, along with other uncharged individuals, kidnapped Mayol-Rivera and using the vehicle she was driving, a white Mitsubishi Lancer, took her to a secluded area. There, they shot and killed Mayol-Rivera. They then burned her body and the Lancer.

“This was a senseless murder. The defendant planned and carried out the carjacking of a defenseless victim which resulted in her murder,” said US Attorney Muldrow. “We will continue our efforts to hold violent offenders accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“We are proud to be part of this outcome. Though nothing can bring the victim back, this is a win for justice. There is one less violent criminal on the streets of Puerto Rico, thanks to the fine work done by investigating Agents and by the AUSA’s in charge of prosecution,” said Douglas A. Leff, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, San Juan Field Office.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jenifer Y. Hernández-Vega and Jonathan L. Gottfried.