Connecticut man sentenced for shooting death of Puerto Rican Olympian’s mother.

A Connecticut man has been sentenced to serve 33 years in prison for his involvement in the tragic death of Mabel Martinez Antongiorgi, the mother of former Puerto Rican Olympian Yarimar Mercado Martinez. The sentencing was handed down on Tuesday after the fatal incident, which took place on April 9, 2022. At the time, 56-year-old Martinez Antongiorgi was innocently sewing in her craft room at her Waterbury home when a stray bullet fired from outside penetrated the wall and struck her fatally in the head.

Jasper Greene is one of three suspects implicated in this violent crime, alongside Franklin Robinson and Levi Brock. Greene’s arrest occurred in September 2023, coming nearly two months after Robinson was convicted by a jury on multiple charges, including murder. Robinson is currently serving a substantial sentence of 90 years.

During the trial proceedings, it was revealed that the events leading up to Martinez Antongiorgi’s death stemmed from an altercation between Robinson and another individual who had greeted his girlfriend. Out of anger, Robinson incited Greene and Brock to open fire on his vehicle, which was parked on the street outside Martinez Antongiorgi’s home, resulting in the tragic shooting.

Martinez Antongiorgi, along with her husband John Luis Mercado, moved to Waterbury from Puerto Rico shortly after Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017. Their daughter, Yarimar Mercado, has represented Puerto Rico in rifle shooting events at the Olympics, participating in the competitions held in 2016, 2021, and the upcoming 2024 games. At the time of her mother’s death, Yarimar was in Brazil competing, further intensifying the family’s grief.

In a heartfelt social media post following the tragedy, Yarimar expressed her sorrow and confusion over her mother’s untimely death, questioning how such a senseless act could occur to someone who was simply enjoying time in her home.

The third suspect, Brock, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and is currently awaiting trial. This heartbreaking case underscores the pervasive issue of gun violence and its devastating impact on families and communities.

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