Yaimara Leyva-Cadet wanted a fresh start in America. She and her boyfriend had immigrated from Cuba hoping to build a new life together in Las Vegas. Instead, their relationship crumbled under the weight of financial stress and jealousy, ending with Leyva-Cadet dead on the floor of their downtown apartment after refusing to make rice for Jose Galan-Preval.
Background
Galan-Preval, 47, and Leyva-Cadet had both moved to the United States from Cuba seeking better opportunities. The couple shared a home in downtown Las Vegas with roommates who would later testify about the moments leading up to the killing on January 23. According to testimony from Galan-Preval's public defender Jin Kim-Steadman, Leyva-Cadet was unemployed despite being qualified for manual labor work, while Galan-Preval continued employment. This dynamic created mounting tension in their relationship, Kim-Steadman told District Judge Jaqueline Bluth during Tuesday's sentencing hearing.
The financial strain was compounded by Leyva-Cadet's belief that Galan-Preval was unfaithful to her. "Instead of it bringing them closer, she became more controlling," Kim-Steadman said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "She demanded to see his phone." The repeated accusations of infidelity added another layer of stress to an already strained partnership.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police responded to the couple's home on January 23 around 12:56 p.m. after receiving calls about a stabbing inside the residence. Officers found Leyva-Cadet suffering from multiple stab wounds. Medical personnel transported her to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The Investigation
Galan-Preval turned himself in to authorities following the attack. In an arrest report obtained by local ABC affiliate KTNV, he told police he "lost control of his emotions." According to testimony from roommates who witnessed the incident, Galan-Preval had been drinking alcohol and was preparing for work when he asked Leyva-Cadet to prepare rice for him to eat before his shift. When she refused, he stabbed her repeatedly with a kitchen knife.
"He snapped," Kim-Steardman explained in court. "When he came to and realized what was happening, he did not punch and stab anyone else, and he just left."
Galan-Preval claimed during police interviews that Leyva-Cadet was "very jealous and accused him of being unfaithful," according to his arrest report. He also acknowledged responsibility for the attack, reportedly telling his landlord who was present at the scene: "I am responsible for what I did."
The Sentencing
Galan-Preval pleaded guilty to second-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon. As part of the plea deal, he agreed to a sentence of 10 to 25 years for the murder itself, with prosecutors seeking an additional 20 years for the deadly weapon enhancement. Judge Bluth ultimately imposed the maximum on that enhancement: four to 10 additional years, bringing his total sentence to 14 to 35 years in prison.
During the hearing, Galan-Preval spoke through a Spanish interpreter and asked for forgiveness from Leyva-Cadet's family and the country that welcomed him. "I would have liked for me to be in her place instead of her," he said, according to the Review-Journal. "I ask for forgiveness from this country that let me come in. I am very remorseful."
Judge Bluth acknowledged Galan-Preval's immediate taking of responsibility and expressed remorse but struggled with balancing those factors against the nature of the crime. "It's been difficult to balance those things because it is such a horrific way to die," she said.
Key Takeaways
- Jose Galan-Preval, 47, was sentenced to 14 to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder with use of a deadly weapon
- The attack occurred January 23 when Leyva-Cadet refused to make rice for Galan-Preval before his work shift
- Both Galan-Preval and victim Yaimara Leyva-Cadet had immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba together seeking a better life
- Defense attorney cited financial stress, unemployment, and jealousy accusations as factors that strained their relationship
- The deadly weapon enhancement added four to 10 years to his sentence beyond the initial plea deal terms
What's Next
Galan-Preval will serve his sentence in the Nevada Department of Corrections. No further court dates have been scheduled as the case concluded with Tuesday's sentencing. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Leyva-Cadet's family with funeral expenses.