Mourning and pain continue to reach Nicaraguan homes from the United States. In recent days, two young women lost their lives in that country. A young woman who had been reported missing was found dead in a river in Texas, the victim of femicide, and the police are looking for her partner as the main suspect; while another compatriot lost her life in the middle of a street shootout, the shooter has already been arrested.
The victim of femicide is Nicaraguan Ana Meléndez de la Rocha, 30 years old, who was allegedly the victim of her partner, according to investigations carried out by the Texas Police.
According to information published by the humanitarian organization Texas Community of Nicaraguans (TNC), Meléndez had not contacted her family since August 15, so they reported her missing.
The search for the woman ended when her lifeless body was found in Brays Bayou River in Harris County, with signs of violence including stab wounds.
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“A case of domestic violence turned into femicide by her partner Oscar Daniel Vega Espinoza, who is a fugitive from justice on charges of murder and tampering with evidence,” TNC posted on its official Facebook account.
The organization points out that the main suspect is indeed her partner. “Court records reveal that there is a long history of domestic violence on the part of Vega Espinoza against the young woman.”
Call to report violence and prevent femicides
TNC urges the public to help capture the suspect in the death of the young Nicaraguan woman. “Anyone with information on Espinosa’s whereabouts should contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers,” TNC posted.
She also asks citizens to collaborate to prevent more deaths due to gender-based violence. “If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You can also contact the Houston Area Women’s Center at 713-528-2121.”
Young Nicaraguan killed in street shooting
The other fatal victim is the young Nicaraguan Gema Rostrán, also 30 years old, who lived in Texas.
TNC reports that, according to information provided by the Garland Police Department, Rostrán was the victim of a shooting that occurred on Sunday, August 25.
“Detectives reported that the incident began with a disturbance in a business parking lot, which escalated into a physical altercation involving multiple individuals, including 23-year-old Sergio Nicolas Jaramillo of Dallas,” the agency’s report said.
They add that preliminary investigations indicate that Jaramillo fired a firearm, hitting three people. Rostrán was one of the first to be hit by the bullets and died instantly, while the other two victims “are expected to survive,” says the report compiled by TNC.
Police in the area where the shooting occurred issued arrest warrants for Jaramillo, charging him with Rostrán’s murder and two counts of aggravated assault with serious bodily injury. The shooter is now in police custody after turning himself in to authorities.
