Yelena Ramírez, the girlfriend of Cuban reggaeton artist Chocolate MC, has expressed outrage following a jury's guilty verdict in Miami. She insists that her partner is being wrongly punished for a crime he did not commit.
"This is an injustice, what they're doing to him. Because the real killer is out there, and someone who hasn't killed anyone is being found guilty," she stated to Univision after the hearing, alluding to Damian Valdez, who awaits trial for the murder of El Taiger.
The case has sparked a significant uproar both within the urban music community and among Chocolate MC's close associates.
The Controversial Verdict
The contentious and flamboyant figure of the reggaeton artist is once again embroiled in a legal storm that could potentially lead to a life sentence.
Yosvani Sierra Hernández, known as Chocolate MC, was found guilty of inciting first-degree murder by a jury composed of four men and three women. The trial took place over a single day under the supervision of Judge Milton Hirsch of the Miami-Dade Circuit Court.
The prosecution's case hinged on a video where the artist, while incarcerated, allegedly solicited the murder of Damian Valdez Galloso, who is accused of killing fellow reggaeton artist El Taiger. The prosecution presented this video as crucial evidence. Chocolate acknowledged the video's existence but denied that it conveyed his true intentions:
"I admit that I didn't express myself properly, but that video isn't reliable because it's edited," he asserted during the trial.
Upon hearing the verdict, Chocolate MC reacted by slamming his hands on the table. The response was immediate, both inside the courtroom and outside, where supporters and family members protested what they view as an excessive trial.
Voices of Defense
One of the most vocal defenders was singer La Diosa, who attended the trial as a witness but lamented, tearfully, that she wasn't allowed to testify as planned.
"I'm immensely frustrated. Today, I was supposed to witness Yosvani's trial, of Chocolate. I've known Yosvani for over 15 years, and I'd do it a thousand times if needed, but I'm frustrated because I practically wasn't allowed to speak," she expressed in a video after leaving the courthouse.
La Diosa not only defended her colleague but also highlighted a critical issue: the mental health and addiction struggles of the reggaeton star.
"Yosvani isn't a killer. He's lived through drug addiction and numerous crises. He's a sick man who should have received help first. We can't expect someone who's ill to act like a normal person," she explained.
Regarding his behavior on social media, she added:
"Yosvani has always been a loudmouth, a clown on the internet, but never a killer. Every time he made noise, it was for attention, not to harm anyone."
La Diosa concluded her message with a plea:
"I ask Changó, Oshún, and my ancestors to help you, brother. May you find a way out of this and learn from your mistakes. I hope the judge is fair. I know you'll face some punishment, but life imprisonment... that's not right."
Awaiting Sentencing and Future Legal Challenges
The final sentencing has yet to be determined, but Chocolate MC faces the possibility of a life sentence. Moreover, this isn't the only legal issue he faces. The artist has other pending charges, including an attempted kidnapping.
Supporters argue that the system has unfairly targeted a vulnerable man, struggling with drug dependency and without emotional or psychological support. Conversely, the justice system maintains that his words on social media, however ironic or impulsive, carry serious implications. Although Chocolate MC never fired a gun, his statements were enough to put him on trial as an instigator of a crime.
Meanwhile, his girlfriend Yelena remains adamant: "He didn't kill anyone."
Key Questions Surrounding Chocolate MC's Legal Battle
What was Chocolate MC accused of?
Chocolate MC was accused of inciting first-degree murder through a video where he allegedly solicited the murder of Damian Valdez Galloso.
What evidence was used against Chocolate MC?
The prosecution presented a video as key evidence, showing Chocolate MC allegedly inciting murder while he was in jail.
What are the potential consequences for Chocolate MC?
Chocolate MC faces the possibility of a life sentence, along with other pending charges, including attempted kidnapping.