Bronx man sentenced to 20 years in prison for beating girlfriend to death.

A Bronx man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the violent killing of his girlfriend, Lisette Gomez, in her apartment in March 2023. Jeremy Cortorreal, 35, received this sentence from Bronx Criminal Court Judge Audrey Stone after pleading guilty to manslaughter charges. The court proceedings emphasized the severity of the crime, which was described by Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark as an act of strangulation that resulted in the loss of life.

Gomez, 38, was found deceased under her covers on March 21, 2023, exhibiting trauma to her face and neck, alongside signs of strangulation. Following the discovery of her body, family members quickly implicated Cortorreal, who had been living with Gomez at the time. Relatives characterized their relationship as abusive, with Gomez’s sister, Carmen Torres, recalling her sister’s distressing calls for help, stating that there were numerous instances when Gomez sought her assistance during abusive episodes.

Witnesses and family members reported witnessing signs of domestic violence before Gomez’s tragic death. Nilsa Rodriguez, a former neighbor, recounted how she observed Gomez frequently with injuries consistent with assault, including black eyes. Despite attempts to intervene and reports made to police concerning the abusive behavior, little was done to prevent the escalation of violence within the household.

Cortorreal had moved into Gomez’s apartment only six months after they met, in a relationship that reportedly grew more concerning over time. Despite prior struggles with substance abuse, Gomez was described by her sister as a loving person with a big heart who did not deserve her untimely demise.

After the murder, authorities charged Cortorreal with homicide, manslaughter, and assault. His initial statements to police were inconsistent, with claims of having placed his hands on Gomez’s neck until she became unconscious. It was noted that he left the scene without calling for emergency assistance and attempted to flee to his mother’s residence next door. Video evidence from the apartment complex showed the couple arriving together, and Cortorreal was seen leaving alone after the incident with his belongings while Gomez’s body remained in the apartment.

The case serves as a tragic reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence, with Gomez’s family expressing heartbreak and anger over her preventable death. Torres lamented the lost opportunities to save her sister from an abusive relationship, highlighting the significant impact of domestic violence on families and communities.

The sentence reflects not only accountability for Cortorreal’s actions but also underscores the necessity for greater awareness and intervention strategies to protect individuals in vulnerable domestic situations.