Coroner Report Blames Police Failings for Preventable Killing of Immigrant Mother in London

On the early morning of 23 October 2022, Miguel Angel Florentino forced entry into a shared flat in Stratford, London, and stabbed Yolanda Saldana Feliz 40 times, killing her. He also slashed his daughter, Lauris Saldana, who survived with severe injuries, including tendon damage to her arm.

The Guardian

Lauris Saldana met Miguel Angel Florentino in the Dominican Republic, married him in 2019 and moved to the UK. By 2021 she feared his jealous rages and mental-health issues, prompting a move to a shared flat. In 2022 he was arrested for a knife threat in March and for harassment in August, but released both times. He stalked Lauris, broke her phone and sent threats from over 24 numbers.

The Guardian

2016 – Lauris meets Florentino; 2019 – marriage. 2021 – Visa approved; move to Stratford flat. 2022 – Florentino arrested in March for knife threat and in August for harassment, released both times. Oct 2022 – Lauris emails police for protection. 23 Oct 2022 – He attacks, killing Yolanda and injuring Lauris; body found in Newham canal five days later. 2026 – Inquest issues prevention-of-future-deaths report.

The Guardian

Yolanda Saldana sustained 40 stab wounds. Florentino used over 24 phone numbers to contact Lauris. Following the inquest, the Metropolitan Police added 565 officers and staff to its public-protection teams.

The Guardian

Senior coroner Graeme Irvine sent a prevention-of-future-deaths report to the Home Secretary, the London mayor and Met Commissioner Mark Rowley, highlighting procedural failures: a trainee officer handled the case, police ignored Lauris’s emails and released Florentino without questioning. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said officers would contact the family, admitted the shortcomings and said improvements to stalking and domestic-abuse investigations have been made.

The Guardian

Lauris said police “justified themselves, saying they had too many other things to do, they were busy,” and showed no guilt. Solicitor Robert Hamill said the police had two weeks at the inquest to apologise but did not, calling the case an exposure of safeguarding inadequacies.

The Guardian

• “I was there asking for help by showing proof to the police. And I know in every country, any country, the police has to help with this. Even in my country, they do help you out,” — Lauris Saldana

The Guardian

• “I remember when I was in court, the police, they were there, and they were not feeling guilty,” — Lauris Saldana

The Guardian

• “Her solicitor, Robert Hamill from Gold Jennings, said: “They had two weeks at the inquest to apologise and no one apologised.” — Robert Hamill, solicitor

The Guardian

• “We are committed to continuing this work will examine the recommendations from the coroner to identify and implement further learnings.” — Metropolitan Police spokesperson

The Guardian

The case shows language barriers and immigration status can hinder police protection, underscoring the need for trained officers, evidence handling and restraining orders.

The Guardian

Metropolitan Police pledged to act on the coroner’s recommendations, expand protection staff and refine stalking and domestic-abuse procedures to prevent deaths.

The Guardian