Puerto Rican former professional boxer Félix Verdejo has been found guilty on charges of kidnapping resulting in death and the murder of an unborn child.

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The high-profile case revolved around the death of Keishla Rodriguez who was pregnant with Verdejo’s child.

In May 2021, Verdejo’s trial got underway. He was accused of four crimes: murdering an unborn child, kidnapping with fatal results, carjacking with fatal results, and having a weapon on him while committing a violent crime. On the first two charges, the jury unanimously found the defendant guilty.

Who is Félix Verdejo?

Félix Gabriel Verdejo Sánchez, a Puerto Rican who was a professional boxer from 2012 to 2020, was born on May 19, 1993. He competed for Puerto Rico as an amateur at the 2012 Summer Olympics and held the WBO Latino lightweight title from 2015 to 2017. Verdejo, however, surrendered to the authorities in May 2021 to answer for the death of his pregnant mistress on federal charges.

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Verdejo made his professional debut in October 2012 at the age of 19 by signing a rumored contract with Top Rank that included a $600,000 incentive.

His early ring success earned him praise and prizes. Verdejo won the Premios Juventud’s “New Hispanic Promise” category on July 18, 2013. He kept making an impression in 2013, winning “Prospect of the Year” honors from Top Rank and BoxingScene. He came in second place on Yahoo!’s list as well, despite the fact that he was the clear winner in any other year.

Verdejo’s first opportunity to contend for a title came in January 2015. His opponent was Mexican boxer Marco Antonio López (24-5, 15 KOs), according to Top Rank, in an eight-round fight on February 28. However, the fight was rescheduled as a 10-round contest and held on April 25 as a result of a hand injury suffered by Verdejo.

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Police named Verdejo as a person of interest in the disappearance of 27-year-old Keishla Rodriguez, who was at the time expecting and allegedly carrying Verdejo’s child, on April 30, 2021. Tragically, the next day, Rodrguez’s body was found in the San José Lagoon.