A South Florida jury has found 30-year-old Daisy Link guilty of murdering the father of her children in 2022.

Jurors deliberated Thursday afternoon for less than two hours before convicting Link of second-degree murder in the shooting death of her longtime partner, Pedro Jimenez, in Homestead.

The next court date is expected Nov. 21 for pre-sentencing investigations, a formality typically conducted before sentencing.  

Case gained national attention

Link drew national attention in 2023 when she became pregnant while behind bars. She later gave birth to a daughter in June 2024, reportedly after inseminating herself with the sperm of another inmate, Joan DePaz.

DePaz and Link described the conception as a “miracle.”

Family in shock after guilty verdict

Link’s sister, Crystal Barretto, said she was stunned by the verdict and the speed at which it was reached.

“I feel like it’s heartbreaking. It’s heartbreaking for Daisy. It’s heartbreaking for her children,” Barretto said. “It’s a very sad situation for her, for her kids and for the family because we all live through this event. It’s traumatizing to everyone. I don’t wish this upon anyone.”

Barretto said her sister was a victim of domestic violence and hopes the judge will consider that history during sentencing.

“I hope the judge takes into consideration all the evidence that was presented, the past domestic violence, history against Pedro and Daisy and the time she’s already served,” she said. “And also taken into consideration, her children and the new baby that was just born.”

Barretto added, “The fight is not over.” Link’s attorney plans to file an appeal.

Juror: Decision based on facts

One juror described the decision as clear-cut.

“I just really looked at the facts of what happened that day,” said Kenan Bowie. “And I mean the only thing you could come up with was guilty in our situation.”

The victim’s family appeared emotional as they left the courtroom and declined to speak to reporters.

Link testified about abuse

South Florida woman who became pregnant in jail found guilty of murder

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Link told jurors that several days before the shooting, Jimenez showed up at her home while she was there with her children, her cousin David and his kids. She said Jimenez, under the influence of drugs, became enraged when he saw another man inside the home.

“There was just a glare, from me, to David, back to me, and from there, he pulled out a gun,” Link testified.

She said Jimenez charged at her with the weapon, a tussle followed, and she ran out the front door.

“And I heard a bullet — well, I heard it dislodge… he fired it at me,” Link said.

Son testifies about violence

The couple’s 11-year-old son testified remotely that he saw his father point a gun at his mother.

“He [Jimenez] pointed the gun at my mom and he fired a shot but he missed,” the boy said.

He also described witnessing Jimenez pistol-whipping her.

“At some point, you said that your dad was hitting on your mom, was he hitting her with something?” an attorney asked.

“Yea, he was hitting her with the bottom of the gun,” the boy replied.

Fatal shooting in 2022

Link testified that after an earlier beating, she and Jimenez reconciled but argued again when he accused her of cheating. She admitted to the affair and said Jimenez became enraged and aggressive.

On the day of the shooting, she said she repeatedly told him to leave, but he kept returning “hysterical.”

“I initially aimed towards the floor,” she said. “As I lifted up the gun I didn’t expect for it to hit him, I just thought the sound would scare him off this time for good.”

The bullet struck Jimenez in the leg, killing him.

“That’s the father of my kids,” Link said. “It’s not like I didn’t love him, I did.”

Prosecutors argued Link shot Jimenez in a fit of rage. The defense maintained she acted in fear after years of abuse.