Charges Filed Against Illegal Immigrants for Murder of Former Marine
Two undocumented immigrants, released in the U.S. during the Obama administration, face charges in the murder of 27-year-old Joseph Manfredi, a former U.S. Marine and father from St. Johns County, Florida, committed in March.
Recently, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced charges against Armando López Cobo, 23, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, for allegedly participating in Manfredi’s murder.
Just a day after the incident, on March 5, authorities placed a second-degree murder charge against Yovany López Cobo, 20, the brother of Armando, who also entered the country illegally.
It’s reported that an argument erupted between Yovany López Cobo and Manfredi at a construction site, triggered by an insult towards Manfredi’s wife. Police allege that Yovany shot Manfredi, injuring two others in the process.
Following the shooting, the López Cobo brothers fled the scene to avoid capture.
Manfredi, remembered as a dedicated husband and father, is survived by his wife, Haley, and their young children, Blaine and Amelia. A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to support Haley and her family during this difficult time.
In the words of those who knew him, “Joseph’s greatest joy and purpose in life was his family.” His obituary reflects that he was a devoted husband to his wife of five years and a caring father, focused on creating treasured memories for his loved ones.
This week, Border Hawk reported that the López Cobo brothers crossed the U.S.-Mexico border as unaccompanied minors in 2016 and were subsequently allowed to stay in the country under the Obama administration.
Armando received a final deportation order in 2018, while Yovany’s order was set for 2025. Yet, neither brother was detained or deported following these orders.
A Department of Homeland Security official commented, “Both immigrants from Guatemala entered our country illegally and were released by the Obama administration. Joseph Manfredi died at the hands of individuals who should never have been here.”
DHS officials noted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has filed charges to detain the two men, aiming to prevent their release back into society following their arrest.
