Survivor's ex-partner freed after judges slash attempted feminicide sentence

Yeritza Bautista, a survivor of two violent attacks by her ex-partner, has reported his release from prison. The decision came after judges reclassified the crime and reduced his sentence. Bautista now fears for her life and demands action against the judges involved. In 2020, Bautista survived two brutal assaults by Carlos Enrique Arellano Nava. The first left her with severe facial injuries, including lost teeth and a dislocated jaw, as well as a shattered left knee. During the second attack, police arrested Arellano Nava as he attempted to strangle her.

A court initially sentenced him to 11 years and 8 months for attempted feminicide in 2022 and 2025. Bautista underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation to regain basic functions like speaking, eating, and walking.

On 9 June 2025, judges reclassified the crime as domestic violence, slashing his sentence to 6 years. They also denied her full reparations and lifted her protective measures. Arellano Nava was then released immediately. Bautista has publicly accused the judges of corruption and demanded their removal. She believes her ex-partner may still intend to kill her. The case has raised concerns about the handling of gender-based violence in the legal system.