Joseph Payne-Pabón, Carjacking Resulting in Death, Puerto Rico 2025

San Juan, Puerto Rico — A chilling crime has left the community shaken as a federal jury convicted Joseph Payne-Pabón for carjacking resulting in death of an 82-year-old woman. On January 7, 2020, during a blackout caused by earthquakes, Joseph Payne-Pabón, a 34-year-old homeless man, violently killed Eulalia Combas Sancho in her San Juan home.

The evidence presented at trial showed that Mr. Payne-Pabón used a cement block to hit the victim in the back of the head, causing a fracture to her skull and trauma to her brain that resulted in her death. After committing the heinous crime, he took her Hyundai Sonata. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2025, at 10:30 am before United States District Court Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón.

United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow commended the tireless efforts of agents and officers from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and federal prosecutors and professional staff from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their outstanding work in bringing Joseph Payne-Pabón to justice.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeanette M. Collazo-Ortiz and César Rivera-Díaz prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice.

Gordon Mallory, Acting Special Agent in Charge of ATF Miami Field Division, expressed the community’s intolerance for senseless acts of violence and commitment to bringing violent offenders who endanger innocent persons to justice. Mr. Payne-Pabón is being held accountable for his violent, and life-altering actions.

It is our hope that this conviction can bring some closure to the victim’s family. The conviction is a direct result of the outstanding work of the involved agencies and their dedication to justice. As the community awaits the sentencing hearing, they can take solace in the fact that justice is being served.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in preventing and solving crimes. It is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the victim and her loved ones. We must continue to work together to ensure that our communities remain safe and secure.

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