Yesterday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the High Court of Aruba heard the appeal of Jennifer Gonzalez, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Court of First Instance on September 27, 2024. Gonzalez was found guilty of arranging the murder of her partner, Sergio Maduro, by allegedly paying Bryan Jimenez Mello to carry out the crime. Jimenez was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Killer Testifies as Witness
During the hearing, the three judges of the High Court questioned Jennifer Gonzalez, who denied ever asking Bryan to kill Sergio or paying him any money. The court handled her case with special attention after psychological reports revealed she has an intellectual disability, functioning at the level of a 6–7-year-old child.
Bryan Jimenez, now serving his sentence, testified as a witness. A distance of about four meters separated him from Gonzalez during the session. Bryan admitted he had struck and killed Sergio but claimed he could not remember if he ran him over with his car. He described Sergio as a “pirate taxi driver” and said they had been friends.
Details of Sexual Encounters and Conflicts
Jimenez admitted the three—Sergio, Jennifer, and himself—had been involved in multiple group sexual encounters. He described himself as bisexual and said that disagreements between Jennifer and Sergio often arose during these encounters, especially when Jennifer refused to do what Sergio wanted.
Discussion About Killing Sergio
Bryan told the court that Jennifer once said she was “tired of Sergio” and wanted him gone. According to him, she offered him 2,000 florins to arrange the killing and later gave him 300–400 florins as an advance.
Murder Triggered by Disrespect
Jimenez stated that on December 23, 2024, the situation escalated when Sergio made a disrespectful remark about Bryan’s mother, suggesting a sexual encounter. Enraged, Bryan struck and killed Sergio, claiming it was not part of any plan by Jennifer but an impulsive act of anger.
Emotional Breakdown in Court
Bryan broke down in tears during questioning, admitting to anger issues and drug use. He said psychologists are now giving him medication to control his rage.
Mental Health Issues Revealed
Defense attorney Mr. D. Croes questioned Bryan about suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), to which Bryan admitted. He again stated that the murder happened because of Sergio’s insult, not on Jennifer’s instructions.
After testifying, Bryan was returned to KIA Prison to continue serving his 17-year sentence.
Photo credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/hudicial/asesino-a-bisa-pakico-el-a-mata-sergio-maduro
