Suspect Arrested in Spain Months After Woman's Body Found Stabbed and Stuffed in Futon in Philadelphia

Left: Frankford Avenue, neighborhood, Philadelphia. Right: Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes

A woman accused of brutally murdering 21-year-old Yuleisy Carolina Torrelles Martinez in her Philadelphia apartment has been arrested in Madrid, Spain, months after the victim’s body was discovered hidden inside a futon.

The U.S. Marshals Service confirmed the arrest of 28-year-old Gerelys Sanchez-Reyes, who is now awaiting extradition to the United States to face murder charges in connection with Martinez’s death.

Martinez’s body was found in the early morning hours of April 5 inside her apartment on the 4400 block of Frankford Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. Friends had reported her missing after several days of not hearing from her. Responding officers, executing a search warrant, discovered her body wrapped in a shower curtain and stuffed inside a futon. She had sustained multiple stab wounds to her neck and torso.

Philadelphia Police named Sanchez-Reyes as a suspect shortly after the body was discovered and issued a warrant for her arrest on April 12, appealing to the public for information on her whereabouts. The U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Task Force announced her capture in Spain on Thursday.

Originally from Venezuela, Martinez had only been living in Philadelphia for less than a year, working as a waitress. She was described by those who knew her as vibrant and full of promise.

“She came in about a year ago to purchase furniture for her apartment,” said Angel Cardona, a local business owner. “It’s very tragic and mind-blowing. She was just starting out in life. It’s a shame. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends.”

Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the relationship between Martinez and Sanchez-Reyes, or whether the suspect had pre-existing ties to Spain. The motive behind the killing remains under investigation.

Sanchez-Reyes will be extradited to the United States to face charges in Philadelphia, where prosecutors are expected to formally charge her with murder.