A woman admitted shooting her ex-boyfriend multiple times after an argument about their relationship. More than six years later, she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
On March 2, 2020, officers responded to the area of the 5600 block of West 21st Avenue in Hialeah, Florida, following a shooting. Upon arrival, they found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, including wounds to his chest, with a woman kneeling over him. He was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he later died.
The victim was identified as 28-year-old Alejandro Sanchez, who was known to his family as “Coco.”
In 2019, 23-year-old Karina Vanessa Corbalan had been arrested on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer with violence. That case was later closed after she completed a pretrial diversion program.
By March 2020, Corbalan and Sanchez had ended a relationship that family members later said had lasted approximately five years.
According to Corbalan’s arrest report, she admitted to officers at the scene that she had shot Sanchez.
During a subsequent interview, Corbalan allegedly told a detective that she fired approximately five times following an argument earlier that morning about their relationship.
Neighbors reported hearing an argument before several gunshots rang out. A nearby Ring camera captured the sound of shots being fired in rapid succession.
One neighbor said Corbalan pulled up in a sports car and began firing at Sanchez while he was in his vehicle. Sanchez reportedly got out and attempted to run before collapsing near a mailbox.
A black vehicle at the scene had a shattered windshield and multiple apparent bullet strikes. Police recovered the firearm used in the shooting.
Sanchez’s mother later said approximately 15 shots were fired and that three struck her son, an account that differed from Corbalan’s alleged statement to investigators that she fired approximately five times.
After the shooting, a neighbor said Corbalan held Sanchez and told him to wake up before authorities took her into custody.
On March 3, 2020, Corbalan appeared in bond court on a charge of second-degree murder with a weapon.
During the hearing, Sanchez’s mother became emotional while asking the court to hold Corbalan accountable for taking her son’s life. A judge found probable cause and ordered Corbalan held without bond.
Later that evening, dozens of Sanchez’s relatives and friends gathered near the location where he was shot for a candlelight vigil.
More than six years later, on August 17, 2026, 29-year-old Karina Corbalan pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Sanchez’s death.
As part of the plea agreement, Corbalan was sentenced to 25 years in state prison followed by 10 years of probation.
Corbalan had faced a mandatory life sentence if she had been convicted at trial.
During the sentencing hearing, Corbalan addressed Sanchez’s family, telling them she loved Alejandro and was sorry for what she had done.
Sanchez’s mother also addressed Corbalan and told her she was heartless and evil.
