Man shot, killed ex-girlfriend after she refused to get back with him: Domestic violence in Palm Beach County remains a prevalent issue, with 4,500 to 5,000 documented cases each year. The recent tragic incident involved the shooting and death of a 34-year-old Boynton Beach woman by her ex-boyfriend. The neighbor who witnessed the crime described the horrifying moment, emphasizing the trauma caused by domestic violence. The suspect, Robens Cesar, admitted to the police that he couldn’t bear seeing his ex-girlfriend with another man. This heartbreaking event highlights the importance of recognizing stalking as a risk factor for homicide and the need to address domestic violence effectively.

Boynton Beach, Fla. — The chair of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team has revealed that Palm Beach County experiences a high rate of domestic violence, with 4,500 to 5,000 documented cases each year. This shocking news comes as the community mourns the loss of a local woman who was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend earlier this week.

Residents in the neighborhood where the incident occurred expressed their horror and trauma. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the moment she heard the gunshots. She described how she was getting ready for work when she heard a series of loud pops and immediately dove to the ground for safety. Peeking through her blinds, she discovered her neighbor’s lifeless body behind a car.

The victim, a 34-year-old woman, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds when investigators arrived at the scene. According to the arrest report, the ex-boyfriend, Robens Cesar, admitted to the crime, stating that he was trying to convince her to reconcile and couldn’t bear the thought of her being with another man. Shockingly, just 45 minutes before the shooting, the woman had gone to the Boynton Beach Police Department to report Cesar’s stalking and harassment.

Jennifer Rey, the chief program officer at Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA), emphasized the importance of recognizing stalking as a risk factor for homicide. Rey, who is also the co-chair of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, stressed the need to learn from cases like this to prevent future domestic violence incidents.

Palm Beach County has a significant number of documented domestic violence cases each year, ranging from 4,500 to 5,000, with 6 to 12 related homicides annually. The neighboring counties of Martin and St. Lucie also reported high numbers of domestic violence offenses in 2020, with one death in Martin County and three deaths in St. Lucie County.

The Boynton Beach Police Department has launched an internal affairs investigation to ensure that all actions taken prior to the shooting were in accordance with established policies and procedures. Meanwhile, the community is left mourning the loss of a woman whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence.