PHILADELPHIA, PA – Federal authorities say a woman wanted in connection with the stabbing death of a 21-year-old in northeast Philadelphia earlier this year has been taken into custody in Spain, ending months of international searching.
Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes, 28, was arrested in Madrid, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Extradition proceedings are underway to return her to the United States, where she is expected to face murder charges in the death of Yuleisy Carolina Torrelles Martinez.
The investigation began on April 5 when friends of Martinez reported her missing after losing contact for several days. Police obtained a search warrant and entered her apartment in the 4400 block of Frankford Avenue, where they discovered her body hidden inside a futon and wrapped in a shower curtain. Police said Martinez had suffered multiple stab wounds to her neck and torso.
Just one week after the discovery, authorities named Sanchez-Reyes as a suspect and issued a warrant for her arrest. Appeals for information about her whereabouts followed as investigators believed she may have fled the area.
Officials did not disclose how Sanchez-Reyes traveled to Spain or whether she had local contacts there. Details about the relationship, if any, between the suspect and the victim have not been released.
Martinez, originally from outside the United States, had only been living in Philadelphia for less than a year, working as a restaurant server. Community members described her as a young woman who was starting to build her life in the city.
Local business owner Angel Cardona recalled seeing Martinez a year ago when she came to furnish her apartment, remembering her as friendly and determined. He said news of her death was disturbing and left many in the neighborhood shaken.
Authorities credit cooperation between U.S. and international law enforcement agencies for the swift identification and capture of Sanchez-Reyes overseas. The timeline of her movements after leaving the United States is still under investigation.
Philadelphia Police and U.S. officials say extradition could take several weeks. Once returned, Sanchez-Reyes will be formally charged in connection with Martinez’s death and is expected to face trial in Philadelphia.