Elderly man gets life for pistol-whipping, fatally shooting wife in front of their teenage daughter

MIAMI (TCN) -- A 73-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally shooting his wife in front of their teenage daughter in 2023. 

On Sept. 10, 2023, a girl witnessed her father, Alberto Molinet, fatally shoot her mother, Yulima Romero, in their mobile home, WPLG reported at the time. Molinet and Romero were arguing and the victim went to hide in a bathroom. Molinet retrieved a gun from a safe, fired through the door, and shot Romero as she tried to push him away. Molinet then reportedly pistol-whipped Romero, bit her, and pulled the trigger again, killing her. The couple’s daughter then dialed 911.

According to NBC Miami, cellphone video captured the teen telling Molinet in Spanish, “You killed my mom. Look, if my mom dies, I will never forgive you.” Molinet reportedly forced the girl to take photos of her mother’s body.

In July, Molinet was convicted of second-degree murder. A press release from the office of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said, “At trial, the defense attempted to blame the child, but the now‑16‑year‑old bravely testified, recounting the murder she witnessed. The State presented powerful corroborating evidence, including videos from the child’s phone, crime scene photographs, and compelling demonstrative testimony from Medical Examiner Dr. Lew, who showed the revolver matched the victim’s patterned head injury. Jurors also handled the heavy firearm themselves, underscoring the impossibility of the defense’s theory.”

Molinet was sentenced to life in prison on Sept. 18. 

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