In a shocking international development, a woman accused of a brutal murder in Philadelphia has been arrested in Spain. Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes, 28, was captured in Madrid months after the body of a young woman was found hidden in a futon.
The Discovery of the Victim
On April 5, 2025, police in Philadelphia discovered the body of 21-year-old Yuleisy Carolina Torrelles Martinez inside her apartment on Frankford Avenue in the northeast part of the city. She had been reported missing by friends who had not heard from her for several days.
When officers entered the apartment with a search warrant, they found Martinez’s body wrapped in a shower curtain and stuffed inside a futon. She had been stabbed several times in the neck and torso.
Suspect Identified and Arrested Overseas
Just a few days later, on April 12, police named Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes as a suspect and issued an arrest warrant. Authorities launched a search, and on June 27, the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed that Sanchez-Reyes had been arrested in Madrid, Spain. She is now awaiting extradition back to the United States, where she is expected to face murder charges.
It is still unclear how Sanchez-Reyes managed to flee the country, or whether she had any personal or professional connections in Spain.
Who Was the Victim?
Yuleisy Martinez had been living in Philadelphia for less than a year and was working as a waitress. Her tragic death has left the local community in shock.
Angel Cardona, a nearby business owner, remembered her as a kind and polite customer. “She came in about a year ago to buy furniture for her apartment,” he said. “She was just 21 years old, just starting out her life. It’s very tragic and mind-blowing. My heart goes out to her family and friends.”
Unanswered Questions Remain
Police have not yet confirmed the relationship between Sanchez-Reyes and Martinez, if there was one at all. Investigators also haven’t revealed any motive or reason behind the brutal killing. Many questions still remain unanswered as the case moves forward.
This case has captured attention not just in Philadelphia, but also internationally. The brutal nature of the crime, combined with the suspect’s sudden disappearance and arrest overseas, has made it a story of heartbreak and mystery.
As Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes returns to the U.S. to face justice, the family and friends of Yuleisy Martinez continue to mourn her tragic loss and wait for the full truth to come out.
