The autopsy performed on Jose Rafael Llenas Aybar, who was found stabbed to death on 4 May, and whose murder has found prominent attention with the news media and the public because of its shocking nature, has revealed that the boy was stabbed 34 times and that “habitual anal penetration” had been detected. The medical-legal report released by the National Institute of Forensic Pathology (INPF) was signed by doctors Lucas Carpio Lappost, Santos Jimenez Paez and Dany Moquete Mendez.
The number of stab wounds received by the boy and the particularly savage nature in which the report describes the lacerations of inner organs has furthered the nation’s indignation in relation to the murder of Jose Rafael, who was 12 years old. His confessed killers, Mario Jose Redondo Llenas (Jose Rafael’s cousin) and his friend Juan Moliné Rodriguez, both 19, remain detained in the prison at Najayo, San Cristobal.
Because of the detection of signs of anal penetration, more doubts have been cast on the story by the accused that they were planning to kidnap the boy and demand a ransom of RD$10 million, particularly as neither Mr. Redondo Llenas nor Mr. Moliné Rodriguez appear to be in dire financial straits. Early theories about possible sexual molestation would seem to have gained more credence with the new findings, although the accused have not changed their confessions.
The Attorney General of the National District, Dr. Zoila Martínez de Medina, has stated that after the 16 May presidential election, she will begin a new period of questioning aimed at ascertaining the real motive for the murder.
24-30 May 1996