A Cuban resident of Lehigh Acres, located in Lee County, has been arrested in Hialeah and charged with manslaughter for allegedly shooting his girlfriend accidentally. Yendry Antolín Espinosa, aged 28, made a court appearance this Thursday, though the tragic incident dates back to December 14, 2024. It occurred in a home on 46th Street and East 8th Lane in Hialeah.
On that day, Espinosa, who was renting an efficiency apartment, was with friends when he allegedly discharged his firearm accidentally, according to the police report cited by America Tevé. Upon responding to the emergency call, Hialeah police officers discovered a woman with a gunshot wound to her neck.
A witness reported that Espinosa had accidentally shot the woman. Espinosa voluntarily approached investigators at the scene and admitted to firing the weapon. The victim was immediately transported by Hialeah's fire rescue team to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Witnesses recounted to authorities that they were in the common area of the residence when Espinosa entered his room, emerged holding a gun, and as he approached the main door, a shot rang out. They then saw the victim bleeding before she collapsed. All witnesses concurred that it appeared accidental.
During his court appearance on Thursday, the District Attorney's office mentioned that Espinosa has been cooperating with the investigation. He was granted bail set at $15,000 and is facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter with a firearm.
"It's a really quiet neighborhood; it might have been an accident, as they say," a neighbor commented to the press outlet. As of this report's publication, no further details about the peculiar incident have been released.
Security experts have highlighted the critical need to take precautions when handling firearms to prevent similar tragedies. "There are two options when purchasing a firearm: with a safety or without. If it's going to be kept at home, it's advisable to keep the safety on. It's also recommended to buy a safe and store the magazine separately, along with using a safety lock," said Stephanie Soto, manager at Miami Guns & Range.
Key Information on Firearm Safety and Legal Consequences
What charge is Yendry Antolín Espinosa facing?
Yendry Antolín Espinosa is facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter with a firearm.
How did the incident occur according to witnesses?
Witnesses stated that Espinosa entered his room, emerged with a gun, and a shot was heard as he approached the main door, leading to the accidental shooting of the victim.
What precautions are recommended for firearm safety?
Experts recommend keeping the firearm safety on if it remains at home, purchasing a safe, storing the magazine separately, and using a safety lock.