A California woman who admitted to killing her teenage sister and 3-week-old niece out of jealousy has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole, according to prosecutors.
Her accomplice, 28-year-old M. Morales, received a 22-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his role in the 2022 murders.
Jealousy Behind the Killings
Prosecutors said 24-year-old Yarelly confessed to shooting her 18-year-old sister, Yanelly, and infant niece, Celine, while they slept in September 2022. She admitted she was jealous of the attention her sister and the baby were receiving from family and friends and wanted that focus for herself and her own children.
Authorities said Morales corroborated her account, telling investigators that the two planned the killings and that Yarelly handed him the firearm after the shootings.
From Death Penalty to Life Sentence
Both defendants originally faced death penalty charges, but Yarelly avoided that outcome after pleading guilty to two counts of murder. Her defense attorney argued that she acted to protect her children, claiming her sister had threatened them. However, prosecutors maintained the evidence proved premeditated murder driven by jealousy — not self-defense.
Family Tensions and Prior Warning Signs
Investigators revealed that the sisters had a history of frequent arguments despite once being close. Police had previously removed a firearm from Yarelly after a domestic disturbance, suggesting escalating tension within the family.
According to court documents, on the morning of the murders, Yarelly shot her sister and the newborn in the upper body while they slept. She later demonstrated to detectives how she aimed the gun, admitting she intended to shoot her sister in the face.
Courtroom and Aftermath
During sentencing, the defendants did not speak. The women’s father attended the hearing, expressing support for Yarelly and blaming the victim, claiming his younger daughter was the true instigator. No one appeared in court to represent the victims.
Prosecutors emphasized that the motive was jealousy, noting Yarelly’s desire for attention had turned into lethal rage.
Yarelly is now serving her life sentence, while Morales remains incarcerated for his part in the crime. The case has sparked renewed discussions about domestic violence, mental health, and family conflict across California communities.
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