Jury Finds Yoel Paredes Guilty of First-Degree Murder
A Florida jury convicted 26-year-old Yoel Paredes of first-degree murder in the 2022 death of Jorge Mobilla Menendez.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Financial Crime
A jury found Yoel Paredes guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Jorge Mobilla Menendez. The victim's body was discovered in a dumpster at the Southridge Senior Community in April 2022.
Why it matters
The conviction brings a close to the legal proceedings surrounding the 2022 murder of Jorge Mobilla Menendez. It follows the separate conviction of Reynaldo Paredes earlier this year.
Yoel Paredes was found guilty on October 15, 2026, following the earlier manslaughter conviction of Reynaldo Paredes on August 27, 2026. Sentencing for Yoel Paredes is currently scheduled for November 5, 2026.
The players
Yoel Paredes
He is the 26-year-old defendant who was convicted of first-degree murder.
Jorge Mobilla Menendez
He is the victim whose body was found in West Palm Beach in 2022.
Sarah Willis
She is the Circuit Court Judge presiding over the case.
Reynaldo Paredes
He is a 56-year-old individual who was convicted of manslaughter in August 2026.
The details
Detectives identified the suspects by tracing the victim from a sports bar using surveillance footage and securing DNA evidence. The victim had died from multiple stab wounds before being found at the Southridge Senior Community in West Palm Beach.
Timeline
April 3, 2022: The victim's body was discovered at the Southridge Senior Community.
August 27, 2026: Reynaldo Paredes was convicted of manslaughter.
October 15, 2026: Yoel Paredes was found guilty of first-degree murder.
November 5, 2026: Sentencing for the defendant is scheduled.
Legal Context
This case follows the mandatory sentencing protocols established by the Florida criminal sentencing guidelines. The sentencing of the defendants will follow the established precedent set for first-degree murder and manslaughter convictions in this jurisdiction.
The conclusion of this trial brings closure to a years-long investigation into a homicide that occurred within a local residential community. The outcome helps ensure public safety by confirming the apprehension and conviction of the individuals responsible.
The takeaway
This case illustrates how advances in DNA forensic technology and surveillance tracking allow investigators to identify suspects years after a crime occurs. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity to local authorities to aid in timely investigations.
What happens next
Circuit Court Judge Sarah Willis is scheduled to preside over the sentencing of Yoel Paredes on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the West Palm Beach Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPBF.
