On Monday The Haggard Law Firm hosted a media conference to discuss the recent $12 million verdict earned in the negligent security wrongful death case of Yaimi Guevara Machado. Joined by our brave clients, Machado’s parents and sister, our collective goal was to drive the message home to motel owners to make sure they are taking every necessary step to meet the security needs of your property to ensure the safety of your guests.
In April 2016, Guevara was killed shortly after asking the staff at the Chesapeake Motel in Hialeah Florida to help her after she was locked out of her room wearing only jeans and a bra. No help was given. Security video shows that Ronald Lopezandrade was also on the property that night. He was not a guest of the hotel but he was able to purchase alcohol, requested a prostitute, and made sexual advances on a hotel employee. Despite those red flags, he was never removed from the property. Eventually, the suspect met the victim, gained her trust, gave her his shirt, and walked her to the parking lot. They would disappear from view of the security camera. Police say Ronald Lopezandrade sexually assaulted Machado and then beat her to death.
Media Coverage
Every major TV affiliate and the two major newspapers in South Florida were among the news filed stories along with media outlets that covered (as of the date of this posting).
Miami Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/hialeah/article188070239.html
Nuevo Herald:
CBS Miami
ABC Miami
Telemundo Miami
Fox Miami
Univision Miami
NBC South Florida
Telemundo Washington DC: https://www.telemundowashingtondc.com/noticias/eeuu/Video-mujer-violada-asesinada-Yaimi-Guevara-Machado-Hialeah-Miami-Florida-462054203.html
Tampa Hispanic newspaper: http://www.centrotampa.com/ce/list/noticias-locales/familia-de-joven-asesinada-en-motel-de-florida-recibirxe1-12-millones-20171205/