SAN JUAN - A 24-year-old Puerto Rican restaurant worker has been convicted in the stabbing and beating death two years ago of a Winnipeg executive in a popular tourist district of San Juan.
A jury deliberated less than five hours Wednesday before convicting Jonathan Roman Rivera of first-degree murder in the death of Adam Anhang despite a lack of forensic evidence and the last-minute appearance of a defence witness who said another man committed the crime.
Roman, who was also convicted of a weapons charge, faces more than 100 years in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 15. During the trial, he had been free on bail, but was taken into custody after the jury's verdict was announced.
Abe Anhang, the victim's father, said outside the courtroom that the family is "very relieved that we have this guy off the street now.'' He said authorities believe others were involved in the slaying and will continue to pursue suspects.
Adam Anhang, who moved to Puerto Rico a year before the attack, was a wealthy real estate investor who developed beach-front condominiums and hotels in the U.S. island territory. He also was CEO of an online gambling software company based in Costa Rica.
Anhang and his wife were walking along the cobblestone streets of historic Old San Juan when he was attacked. The assailant did not take his wallet or other valuables.
Anhang and Aurea Vazquez Rijos, had just left a restaurant he bought for her where they had discussed the terms of their pending divorce when the attack occurred.
The wife, who had no major injuries in the attack, refused to co-operate with investigators and fled the island. She is believed to be in Europe.
Roman's attorney, Carmelo Davila, told the jury that Vazquez should be facing justice rather than his client.
"We have a trial pretty much based on the motives of this woman,'' Davila said. "I await the day this woman is brought to justice.''
Vazquez has filed a civil suit against her late husband's family, seeking a portion of his estate. Anhang's father said he plans to vigorously contest her claim.
