In a heartbreaking case that has left the Colorado community in shock, Corena Minjarez, 39, was convicted on August 27 for the murders of two young children. Minjarez was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of abuse of a corpse, resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
What Happened
Corena Minjarez was convicted of the brutal murders of her boyfriend’s children, three-year-old Yesenia and five-year-old Jesus. The children, who had been missing for years, were discovered in tragic circumstances. Yesenia’s remains were found encased in concrete in a storage unit, and Jesus’s remains were discovered in a suitcase in an abandoned car. Both children had not been reported missing and were last seen in 2018.
Who Is Corena Minjarez?
Corena Minjarez, 39, was in a relationship with the children’s father, Jesus Dominguez Sr. She was arrested following the discovery of the children’s remains in early 2024. Minjarez was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one for each child, as well as two counts of abuse of a corpse. The investigation revealed that she had a role in the children’s deaths, and evidence presented during the trial, including purchases made with her credit card, tied her to the crime scene. Minjarez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Background or Timeline
The investigation into the tragic deaths of Yesenia and Jesus began in January 2024 when police received an anonymous tip about a storage unit in Pueblo. On January 22, police uncovered Yesenia’s remains inside a metal container, her body encased in concrete. A DNA test confirmed the remains were those of Yesenia. A few weeks later, on February 6, investigators found Jesus’s remains inside a suitcase in the trunk of an abandoned car, which was registered to Minjarez. Shockingly, neither child had ever been reported missing, with their last known sighting dating back to 2018.
The children’s father, Jesus Dominguez Sr., was arrested in connection to the case and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. As part of his plea agreement, he is expected to testify against Minjarez during her trial. He will be sentenced on September 12, 2025.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The case has shocked and saddened the local community and beyond. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes to the children, as well as expressions of outrage and disbelief. Many have voiced their anger over the neglect and violence inflicted on two innocent lives, with several hashtags calling for justice trending online.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Minjarez has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring she will never be released. Jesus Dominguez Sr., who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, is awaiting sentencing on September 12, 2025, where it is anticipated he will testify against Minjarez. The case remains a tragic reminder of the vulnerability of children and the need for justice in such heartbreaking situations.
