U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a detainer on William Serrano Domenech, a 49-year-old Cuban citizen charged with second-degree murder in Miami-Dade County. Domenech is accused of shooting and killing 42-year-old Raul Aballe on August 17.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Domenech has an extensive criminal history, including prior convictions in Florida and Michigan for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. He also has prior arrests in New Mexico and Tennessee for charges such as aggravated assault, theft, and resisting arrest.
Authorities stated that the alleged incident occurred when Domenech was socializing with a witness and Aballe arrived. An argument ensued, escalating into a physical altercation. Domenech is accused of then pulling a gun from a fanny pack and firing it, striking Aballe in the stomach. Aballe was transported to a hospital where he later died.
Domenech reportedly fled the scene but was apprehended the following day. He allegedly confessed to the killing, citing jealousy over Aballe's relationship with the witness. Investigators were told by the witness that Aballe was unarmed and did not initiate the fight.
Domenech faces charges of second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. ICE lodged the detainer with Miami-Dade authorities the day after his arrest.
DHS indicated that Domenech entered the United States in 1995 and was issued a deportation order in 2002. However, he was released by the Biden administration when ICE took him into custody in 2023, according to DHS. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the agency will work with Florida authorities to prevent Domenech from being released onto the streets again.