Miami, FL – A Miami jury has found Kadel Piedrahita guilty of second-degree murder and aggravated assault with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of cyclist Alexis Palencia on the Rickenbacker Causeway in 2019.
The trial concluded on Monday with closing arguments presented by both the prosecution and defense.
After deliberating for several hours, the jury returned a guilty verdict.
The state argued that Piedrahita was motivated by hatred, as evidenced by a Facebook livestream posted prior to the shooting.
They alleged that he killed Palencia in a cold-blooded act of violence.
Piedrahita’s defense claimed that he acted in self-defense, asserting that he was attacked by Palencia and Cesar Sosa.
They emphasized the words of Piedrahita himself, urging jurors to consider his perspective.
Following deliberations that began around 2:30 PM, the jury requested to review evidence such as camera footage and photos from the incident.
Approximately 30 minutes later, they informed the judge that they had reached a verdict.