A teenage conflict in Puerto Rico ended in tragedy on August 10, leaving a family shattered and a community demanding justice. Sixteen-year-old Gabriela Nicole Pratts Rosario was fatally stabbed in front of her mother, Lisandra “Lisa” Rosario, in Aibonito.
Gabriela, days away from turning 17, dreamed of becoming a psychologist and was known for her kindness and love of animals. She had once been close friends with her alleged attacker, 17-year-old Anthonieshka Avilés Cabrera, before tensions grew.
The deadly altercation began after an end-of-summer party on Desvío Roberto Colón when Gabriela defended her older sister from an attack. Prosecutors say Anthonieshka and her mother, 40-year-old Elvia Cabrera Rivera, then stabbed Gabriela eight times. A friend trying to intervene was also seriously injured.
Lisandra was held back and could only watch in horror as her daughter was attacked. Gabriela died shortly after midnight at the hospital.
Both suspects face first-degree murder charges, with Anthonieshka to be tried as an adult. The community mourned Gabriela’s funeral, and Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Justice condemned the crime, vowing justice. Gabriela’s death has become a call to end senseless violence across the island.
