In a tragic drive-by shooting that took place in Miami, Florida, on October 27, 2016, Carlos Rodriguez Martinez was killed while walking with a friend along Northwest Eighth Avenue. Shots were fired after a Chevrolet drove by, and an altercation broke out between the two parties. 18-year-old Adela Santos, who admitted to being in the car, accused 21-year-old Elias Cadoza of the murder.
Though Cadoza was never formally charged, he was arrested in November and held for two months before prosecutors dropped the case due to newfound evidence verifying Cadoza’s alibi. The Shirazi and D’Escoubet Law Group proved to be instrumental in clearing Cadoza’s name and the charges brought against him.
Elias Cadoza claimed that he could not have committed the murder because he was at home, calling the police for his sister, who was suffering from extreme vaginal pain. Despite this, Adela Santo’s testimony implicating him in the murder resulted in his arrest.
Fortunately, a private investigator was able to track down the paramedics, who provided a sworn statement corroborating Cadoza’s alibi. Months later, the paramedics distinctly remembered Cadoza due to the unusual 911 call regarding his sister’s vaginal pain and his notable speech impediment. Cadoza had waited outside his apartment until the ambulance arrived. After the paramedics denied his request to accompany his sister to the hospital, Cadoza walked approximately one mile to the Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he waited until his sister was discharged the following morning.
Fortunately for Jean-Michel D’Escoubet’s relentless defense, prosecutors have since dropped the charges against Cadoza, clearing his name and highlighting the false accusations made against him. Prosecutors are now accusing Santos of fabricating the story to protect her boyfriend. She has been charged with being an accessory to murder and is also being accused of committing a string of recent burglaries. This case demonstrates the importance of a thorough defense that uncovers the truth, ensuring justice for those falsely accused.
Jean-Michel D’Escoubet, a former Miami-Dade Prosecutor and Felony Division Chief has extensive experience handling complex criminal cases, including death penalty cases, gang-related crimes, traffic homicides, and violent crimes. His success in this high-profile case is a testament to his experience and commitment to justice.
We are a full-service criminal defense firm, defending clients against federal and state criminal charges. If you require skilled legal representation, contact Shirazi and D’Escoubet Law Group today to protect your rights.
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