A Las Vegas man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fatally stabbing his girlfriend during a domestic dispute earlier this year, a case that prosecutors said ended in a tragic loss of life while the defense argued the defendant “snapped” after ongoing relationship problems.
Jose Galan-Preval, 47, was sentenced on Tuesday to 14 to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon in the January killing of Yaimara Leyva-Cadet. The sentence was handed down in Clark County District Court following a plea agreement.
Fatal Stabbing Occurred at Las Vegas Home
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to a residence in downtown Las Vegas at approximately 12:56 p.m. on Jan. 23 after receiving reports of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Yaimara Leyva-Cadet suffering from multiple stab wounds inside the home. Emergency medical personnel transported her to a nearby hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, she later died from her injuries.
Police immediately launched a homicide investigation into the incident.
Defense Describes Ongoing Relationship Problems
During the sentencing hearing, Galan-Preval’s public defender, Jin Kim-Steadman, described what she said had been a difficult and emotionally strained relationship between the couple.
According to the defense, both Galan-Preval and Leyva-Cadet had immigrated to the United States from Cuba in hopes of building a better future together.
The attorney told the court that financial pressures became a source of conflict because Galan-Preval was working while his girlfriend allegedly remained unemployed despite being capable of performing manual labor.
The defense also claimed that Leyva-Cadet frequently accused Galan-Preval of being unfaithful and regularly demanded access to his cellphone, creating additional tension within the relationship.
“Instead of it bringing them closer, she became more controlling,” Kim-Steadman argued during the hearing.
Argument Escalated Over Meal Preparation
According to testimony presented during sentencing, Galan-Preval had been drinking alcohol and was preparing to leave for work on the day of the killing.
The defense said he asked Leyva-Cadet to prepare rice for him before work, but she refused.
Kim-Steadman argued that the refusal came amid months of ongoing relationship stress, causing her client to lose control.
“He snapped,” the defense attorney told the court.
Court testimony indicated that Galan-Preval then repeatedly stabbed Leyva-Cadet with a kitchen knife.
The attorney added that after realizing what had happened, Galan-Preval left the residence without harming anyone else.
Defendant Turned Himself In
Following the stabbing, Galan-Preval voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
According to police records, he admitted responsibility for the attack.
Investigators said he told officers that he had “lost control of his emotions.”
He also reportedly told his landlord, who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident:
“I am responsible for what I did.”
During police interviews, Galan-Preval also claimed that his girlfriend had been extremely jealous and frequently accused him of cheating on her.
Plea Agreement Reduced Charge
Rather than proceeding to trial on more serious charges, Galan-Preval entered into a plea agreement.
Under that agreement, he pleaded guilty to:
- Second-degree murder
- Use of a deadly weapon during the commission of the crime
The plea agreement included a prison term of 10 to 25 years for the murder conviction.
Prosecutors then requested an additional 20 years because the crime involved the use of a deadly weapon.
Judge Imposes 14- to 35-Year Sentence
District Judge Jaqueline Bluth ultimately imposed an additional 4 to 10 years for the deadly weapon enhancement instead of the 20 years sought by prosecutors.
The combined sentence totals 14 to 35 years in Nevada state prison.
While announcing the sentence, Judge Bluth acknowledged that Galan-Preval accepted responsibility almost immediately after the killing.
She also noted that he had no prior criminal history and expressed genuine remorse.
However, the judge emphasized that the manner of the killing remained extremely serious.
“I do recognize that Mr. Galan-Preval took responsibility right away, has expressed from the beginning his extreme remorse, that there is no criminal history, and I do believe that he just snapped,” Judge Bluth said.
She added that balancing those mitigating factors against the violent nature of the crime was difficult because it was “such a horrific way to die.”
Defendant Apologizes During Sentencing
Addressing the court through a Spanish interpreter, Galan-Preval apologized for his actions and expressed regret over the death of Leyva-Cadet.
According to courtroom reports, he said:
“I would have liked for me to be in her place instead of her.”
He also apologized to the United States, saying:
“I ask for forgiveness from this country that let me come in. I am very remorseful.”
Case Concludes with Prison Sentence
The sentencing brings the criminal case to a close after the fatal January stabbing that ended the life of Yaimara Leyva-Cadet.
While the defense argued that mounting relationship tensions, financial strain, and emotional stress contributed to Galan-Preval’s actions, prosecutors maintained that the dispute escalated into a deadly act of violence that warranted a lengthy prison sentence.
With the court’s ruling, Galan-Preval will serve 14 to 35 years in prison for the killing of his girlfriend, concluding one of Las Vegas’ closely followed homicide cases of the year.
