Shock and Outrage Reigns Following the Disturbing Killing of Keishla Rodriguez
Things have gone from bad to an even darker turn for the worse for former world lightweight contender Felix Verdejo (27-2, 17 KOs). 3KingsBoxing previously reported the 27-year-old from San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a person of interest in the death of Keishla Rodriguez, whose body was in a lagoon in Puerto Rico. On May 2, Verdejo turned himself in to FBI authorities.
Here is an update. According to ESPN Sportcenter, Verdejo has been charged with carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulted in death, and intentionally killing an unborn child. The charges fall into the guidelines of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004. He could face either a life sentence or the death penalty for the carjacking/kidnapping charge and life in prison for the intentional killing of an unborn child. On May 3, Federal Judge Camille Velez ordered that Verdejo will be held without bail.
According to the affidavit, the details of her death are frightening. Verdejo is accused of punching Rodriguez and injecting her with an unknown substance. Then, with the aid of an accomplice, tying up her arms and feet before throwing her off a bridge. What makes this more sickening is that Rodriguez was two months pregnant at the time.
The investigation is being handled by the FBI. Even though there is no death penalty in Puerto Rico, it can apply in federal cases such as the one Verdejo is facing. Rodriguez’s death has sparked outrage in Puerto Rico. On May 2, there was a gathering at the scene of her death. The people of Puerto Rico are demanding justice and denouncing violence against women.
A CHECKERED STORY
Felix Verdejo came into prominence when he represented Puerto Rico at the 2012 Olympic games in London, England. When he turned pro in December 2012, he was thought to be a can’t miss prospect. In 2014, he was named Prospect Of The Year by ESPN. Still, there were always rumors that something was remiss about him outside the ring. In August of 2016 on the verge of a world title shot, Verdejo was hospitalized after a motorcycle accident. After recovering from the injuries and returning to the ring, he did not appear to be the same fighter.
Verdejo suffered a tenth-round TKO defeat at the hands of Antonio Lozada Torres in March of 2018. Claiming to be rededicated, he tried to dust himself off and pick up the pieces. However, in his last bout, he suffered another setback as he was stopped in nine rounds by Masayoshi Nakatani in December 2020.
Condolences must go out to the family and friends of Keishla Rodriguez. Stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for further details of this sad and shocking story.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
