A tragic incident unfolded when 21-year-old Joselyn Toaquiza was celebrating her birthday at an Airbnb, only to be killed by a childhood friend she had known for years. Her body was later found dumped in a park. The man responsible for her death, Jhon Chacaguasay-Ilbis, has now been sentenced to 23 years to life in prison.
The sentencing took place on March 10, following his guilty plea to the murder, which happened on June 18, 2024. Toaquiza and Chacaguasay-Ilbis had a long history together, as their families had known each other since their time in Ecuador. Both families later moved to the United States, and the two remained close. At the time of the crime, both Toaquiza and her killer were awaiting immigration hearings to determine if they could stay in the country.
According to court reports, Chacaguasay-Ilbis had bought Toaquiza birthday gifts, including a cake, sneakers, and wine bottles with “I love you” written on them. Surveillance footage from a Ring camera showed them entering the Airbnb together. Later, the footage captured Chacaguasay-Ilbis carrying Toaquiza’s lifeless body out of the residence.
After killing his longtime friend, Chacaguasay-Ilbis shockingly used her credit cards to pay for OnlyFans subscriptions and other purchases before eventually turning himself in. Despite the clear evidence, no clear motive was ever established for the crime. The convicted killer later claimed that he had been intoxicated and was unaware of what he was doing.
During his sentencing, Chacaguasay-Ilbis was given the opportunity to address Toaquiza’s grieving family. In court, he expressed regret and apologized, saying, “I want to apologize to Joselyn’s family, my family, and my friends for all the pain and suffering I have caused. I feel really bad and ashamed for this situation that I created, for ignoring my principles and values. I understand and respect your pain. I acknowledge the damage and take full responsibility for my actions. I regret everything and sincerely ask for your forgiveness. I wasn’t conscious of what I did.”
Toaquiza’s father shared a heartbreaking statement in court, expressing his deep sorrow over his daughter’s tragic death. “I am devastated by your departure, my princess,” he wrote, highlighting the unbearable loss their family has suffered.
The case has left many unanswered questions, as investigators never uncovered a concrete reason for the brutal killing. Friends and family are still struggling to understand why Chacaguasay-Ilbis committed such a horrific act against someone he had known and cared about for so long.
This tragic event serves as a devastating reminder of how violence can unexpectedly shatter lives. While justice has been served with Chacaguasay-Ilbis’s sentencing, nothing can bring back Joselyn Toaquiza or heal the pain felt by her loved ones. Her memory will live on through those who cherished her, as they continue to mourn and seek peace in the aftermath of this unimaginable loss.
