Neighbor arrested in murder of young woman at Hialeah motel

Hialeah police arrested a man Monday in the death of a 30-year-old woman at the Chesapeake Motel.

Ronald Lopezandrade, 26, was charged with second-degree murder. The body of 30-year-old Yaimi Machado was found Sunday at the motel, 935 W. Okeechobee Rd.

According to police: Machado, who lives in Hialeah Gardens, was staying overnight at the motel with a friend. With the friend out, Machado locked herself out of the room while not fully dressed.

Police say Lopezandrade lives at an apartment building behind the hotel and attempted to sexually assault her. When Machado fought back, Lopezandrade beat her and covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming, according to police.

An autopsy has yet to determine whether Machaco died from asphyxiation or a hit to the head.

Lopezandrade told police he is an undocumented immigrant from Honduras, so they can’t yet make a positive identity. A search of county court records show only this second-degree murder charge.

This story was originally published April 11, 2016 at 12:43 PM with the headline "Neighbor arrested in murder of young woman at Hialeah motel."