In Panama, Elvis Javier Quiel, the ex-partner of Paola Chávez, was sentenced to 37 years in prison through a plea agreement. He was found guilty of femicide against her, which occurred on September 2 in Alto de Las Praderas, district of La Chorrera, West Panama. Additionally, he was convicted for domestic violence and violation of a protection order, as he completely disregarded it. Lawyer Suky Yard highlighted the work of the Public Prosecutor's Office and expressed satisfaction with the verdict, noting that while the maximum sentence for femicide in Panama is 30 years, the total sentence was increased due to the other crimes. Paola Chávez was murdered by Quiel in her home. She had requested help from the Public Ministry, the Casa de Paz, and even two Lince police units, but her calls for assistance were not heeded. 'I am not a fan of plea agreements, but I want to rescue the work that was done,' said Yard. 'This is where public policies are needed, through institutions that can help these families and these children, who must be protected by the State.' The lawyer also questioned what the Panamanian State is doing regarding the children Paola left orphaned and stated that while the sentence will not calm the pain of the family or bring Paola back, it is a severe punishment for the crime committed.
