Last week, the mother. This week, the daughter. Mother and daughter have now been sentenced to prison in connection with the killing of Gabriela Nicole Pratts, the Puerto Rican teenager who was stabbed to death during a fight in August 2025, in a case that has drawn widespread attention in Puerto Rico and beyond.
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Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera was sentenced to 38 years and one day in prison after reaching a plea agreement Tuesday in the killing of Pratts.
Avilés Cabrera pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and weapons law violations.
After the sentence was announced, Puerto Rico Secretary of Justice Janet Parra Mercado said in a statement:
“Co-defendant Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera accepted responsibility in court, and Gabriela Nicole’s family did not have to relive the tragedy once again. Today, there are two convictions in this case, both for murder. The two people responsible for Gabriela Nicole’s death have been held accountable.”
“With this decision, a deeply painful process comes to an end for two families, especially for Lisandra Rosario, Gabriela Nicole’s mother. We hope that after enduring these difficult years, they can begin moving forward knowing that those responsible for her death have faced the consequences of their actions.”
“Gabriela Nicole will always remain in the hearts and memories of those who loved her, and our respect and solidarity remain with her family.”
Avilés Cabrera’s mother sentenced to 102 years
On Thursday, Elvia Cabrera, Avilés Cabrera’s mother, was sentenced to 102 years in prison for the killing of the Puerto Rican teenager, despite maintaining her innocence before the court imposed the sentence.
Cabrera received 99 years for first-degree murder and an additional three years for a weapons conviction.
Before sentencing, Cabrera addressed the court and expressed regret over the teen’s death while denying responsibility.
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“I would like to say that I deeply regret Gabriela’s death. I plead not guilty to everything I’m accused of, because here the witnesses have not told the whole truth,” she said. “During this time, I felt at peace because I was fighting for my innocence. I remain firm that I am innocent.”
Defense attorney Alberto Rivera said they plan to appeal the sentence.
“As we had anticipated, we’re close to beginning the formal appeals process,” Rivera said. “Given how extensive the record is, we foresee the appeal will take a long time.”
Rivera said the appeal will be based on several issues, including what he described as reasonable doubt in the case.
A jury on July 23 found Cabrera guilty of first-degree murder and violating Puerto Rico’s Weapons Law.
How prosecutors linked Cabrera to the killing
Prosecutors argued that Cabrera provided a sharp object to her daughter, Anthonieska Avilés Cabrera. Jurors concluded that the weapon was used in the attack that killed Gabriela Nicole Pratts.
Avilés Cabrera, who was separately charged in the case, pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder and weapons law violations.
The case stems from a fight in August 2025 that left two minors injured. Pratts died Aug. 11 after being stabbed 11 times.
Cabrera’s trial included testimony from 21 witnesses, while an additional 39 witnesses were stipulated by both sides.
This story was translated from Spanish with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool. An NBC 6 editor reviewed the translation.
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