Dominican Court Postpones Ruling in Naco Knife Attack Case to August 6

The Second Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal of the National District has postponed until August 6, 2026, the reading of its decision on whether to revoke the "no ha lugar" (dismissal) order in favor of Jean Andrés Pumarol Fernández, accused of a deadly knife attack in the Ensanche Naco neighborhood that killed 70-year-old Ivonne Handal Abugabir and injured five others.

The postponement

The court, presided by Judge Isis Muñiz, announced on July 23 that the written ruling was not ready, and rescheduled the hearing for August 6. Source: infobae The decision will determine whether Pumarol faces trial or remains shielded by the controversial dismissal issued in March.

The controversy

On March 17, Judge Deiby Timoteo Peguero of the Seventh Instruction Court issued a "no ha lugar" order, ruling that Pumarol was not mentally fit to stand trial based on an INACIF report diagnosing paranoid schizophrenia and a psychotic episode at the time of the attack. Source: listindiario The prosecution and the victim's family appealed, arguing that the dismissal sets a dangerous precedent. Miguel Valerio, the family's lawyer, noted that other defendants with similar mental conditions have been convicted. Source: hoydo

The family's plea

Carolyn Taveras, Abugabir's daughter, vowed to continue seeking justice, emphasizing that her mother was killed in her own home and that similar cases have resulted in prison sentences. Source: diariolibree She expressed confidence in the judicial system but demanded a fair process.

One year after the attack, the case remains unresolved, with Pumarol reportedly in a private psychiatric facility rather than prison. Source: eldiado