Author: Sean Close
Former professional boxer Felix Verdejo has learned the hard way that crime does not pay. He has been sentenced to two life sentences in Puerto Rico. This harsh punishment comes as a result of the tragic loss of two lives in April 2021. Verdejo’s girlfriend, Keishla Rodriguez, and her unborn child were the victims. A federal judge, as reported by the Associated Press, stated that Verdejo received his sentence after an emotional speech by Rodriguez’s family. This conviction, which occurred in July, leaves Verdejo facing the reality of spending the rest of his life behind bars.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Rodriguez and her unborn child were horrifying. As reported by Boxing Insider, prosecutors alleged that on April 30, Verdejo and an accomplice, Cádiz Martinez, lured Rodriguez into a car. Verdejo then confronted the pregnant woman and tied her up with wire and a brick. They drove to a bridge where Verdejo threw Rodriguez into the water. It is reported that Verdejo then fired a gun at her, although the cause of death was ultimately determined to be drowning. The motive for the killing was allegedly Verdejo’s desire for Rodriguez to have an abortion.
Puerto Rico Police Chief Antonio López stated on Friday that “This sentence should serve as a lesson to others… It doesn’t matter how much fame, money, or power you think you have. If you commit a crime, you will be held accountable.” Verdejo managed to avoid the death penalty, but he now faces the consequences of not only killing his girlfriend but also taking the life of her unborn child (as killing an unborn child carries a similar sentence in Puerto Rico).
During his boxing career, Verdejo was known as a strong contender in the lightweight division. His last fight took place four months before the murders of Rodriguez and her child. On that night, he was defeated by Masayoshi Nakatani, leaving him with a record of 17 wins and 2 losses. In 2015, Boxing Insider noted that Verdejo had star power, skills, and charm. However, it is now clear that first impressions can be deceiving.
