DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

The family of deceased 16-year old Esmeralda Richiez announced the change of defense. The new lawyer explained the decision comes because the past defense leaked information that could compromise the case.

The family chose Silvestre Antonio Rodríguez to head the defense of the late teenager Esmeralda Richiez. The family says many of these elements that were leaked can damage the results of the investigation and the outcome of the case. Rodríguez, reportedly, is a relative of the father of the deceased. Richiez was found dead in the bathroom of her home on Monday, 13 February. She reportedly died due to an acute hemorrhage.

Rodríguez headed a press conference to make the announcement. He said that the accused 35-year old professor John Kelly Martinez was ordered to serve a year pre-trial detention. John Kelly Martínez was professor of...