Rafael Andres Faces Latest Sentencing Trial for 2005 Murder

Rafael Andres, 61, is currently undergoing a legal battle to avoid the death penalty for a brutal 2005 murder. On Monday, April 6, 2026, Andres began a Spencer hearing, a critical legal proceeding where his defense attorneys attempt to convince a judge to override a jury’s recommendation for death and instead sentence him to life in prison.

The 2005 Murder of Ivette Fariñas

The case stems from the 2005 killing of Ivette Fariñas, a 31-year-old waitress at La Carreta. Andres, who worked as a handyman and had been hired by Fariñas, is accused of a violent attack at her home located at 1100 Southwest 74th Avenue.

According to prosecutors, Andres stabbed Fariñas multiple times in the chest, struck her in the head and face, and strangled her using the power cord of a rice cooker. To cover his tracks, Andres set the apartment on fire before fleeing the scene. Firefighters who responded to the blaze discovered Fariñas’s burned body. Investigators further alleged that Andres stole the victim’s ATM card before he was eventually captured in March 2006.

A Complex Legal Journey

Andres’ path through the Florida justice system has been marked by multiple reversals and appeals:

• 2014 Conviction: Andres was convicted and sentenced to death for the first-degree murder of Ivette Fariñas. At that time, a jury had voted 9-3 in favor of the death penalty, as noted in court oral arguments.
• 2018 Sentence Vacation: On direct appeal, the Supreme Court of Florida affirmed the first-degree murder conviction but vacated the death sentence.
• Current Proceedings: Following a grant for a new sentencing trial, Andres is now facing the possibility of the death penalty once again.

The Spencer Hearing and Death Row Testimony

The current Spencer hearing serves as a final opportunity for the defense to argue against the ultimate punishment. In a striking turn of events, the defense called upon other death row inmates to testify on behalf of Andres.

Among the witnesses was Chadwick Willacy, a convicted killer who has been on death row since December 1991. Willacy, who is scheduled for execution at the complete of April 2026, testified in defense of Andres to aid him avoid the same fate.

Prior Criminal History

The prosecution’s case is bolstered by Andres’ previous violent history. He was convicted of another brutal murder in 1987, in which he beat and stabbed Linda Azcárreta to death. For that crime, Andres served a year and a half in prison.

Key Case Takeaways

• Defendant: Rafael Andres, 61.
• Victim: Ivette Fariñas, 31.
• Weapon Used: Rice cooker power cord (strangulation) and knife (stabbing).
• Legal Status: Currently in a Spencer hearing to determine if he receives life in prison or the death penalty.
• Previous Record: Convicted of the 1987 murder of Linda Azcárreta.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Spencer hearing?

A Spencer hearing is a legal proceeding in Florida that allows a judge to review the evidence and arguments to decide if a death sentence is appropriate, potentially overriding a jury’s recommendation for death in favor of life imprisonment.

Why was the original death sentence vacated?

The Florida Supreme Court vacated the original sentence during a direct appeal in 2018, though they maintained the conviction for first-degree murder.

Who is Chadwick Willacy?

Chadwick Willacy is a fellow death row inmate who has been imprisoned since 1991. He testified for Rafael Andres despite facing his own execution at the end of April 2026.