A court in San Francisco de Macorís ordered three months of pre-trial detention for Ankelsy Valerio de Jesús, charged with killing her 13-year-old sister, Anelsy Ceballos de Jesús, and seriously injuring Enmanuel Núñez Batista. The incident occurred on January 28, 2026, in the Los Solares de Duarte Arriba sector, during a violent family confrontation.
Details of the event and precautionary measure
The Permanent Attention Service Office accepted the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, represented by prosecutors Benedicto Reynoso, Elington Santiago, and Engels Polanco. They argued the need for pre-trial detention given the severity of the case and the procedural risk, to ensure the progress of the trial. Ankelsy Valerio was arrested the following day, January 29, under a judicial warrant.
Pre-trial detention in the context of family violence
Reconstruction of the facts
The preliminary investigation reveals that a family fight escalated when the defendant returned armed with a 9 mm caliber pistol. She fired multiple shots, causing the minor’s death due to hemorrhagic shock and serious injuries to Núñez Batista, who is receiving specialized medical attention. Five 9 mm shell casings and bludgeoning weapons from the initial altercation were found at the scene. A relative handed over the weapon voluntarily.
The case is provisionally classified as murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of a weapon, violating articles 295 to 304 of the Dominican Penal Code and 66-67 of Law 631-16 on Arms Control. Judge Josefina Noemí Díaz ordered Valerio to serve her pre-trial detention at the Juana Núñez Freedom Deprivation Center in Salcedo.
Context and relevant statistics
In the Dominican Republic, homicides due to domestic violence represent a persistent problem. According to data from the Attorney General’s Office, in 2025 there were more than 200 cases of femicides and related homicides, with an increase in provinces such as Duarte. Criminology experts point out that measures like pre-trial detention seek to prevent recidivism, although the judicial system faces overload, with resolution rates below 60% in violent crimes.
- Date of incident: January 28, 2026.
- Deceased: Anelsy Ceballos de Jesús, 13 years old.
- Injured: Enmanuel Núñez Batista.
- Defendant: Ankelsy Valerio de Jesús.
This case underscores the urgency of strengthening protocols against domestic violence. The initial pre-trial detention marks procedural progress, but the trial will define responsibilities. In San Francisco de Macorís, residents demand greater vigilance in vulnerable areas such as Los Solares.