A Florida man who told authorities his girlfriend had vanished is now charged with her murder after investigators discovered her body in a canal.
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, 40-year-old Saul Garcia-Gonzalez is facing a second-degree murder charge in the death of 37-year-old Nerida Martel. Her body was found floating in a canal near SW 168 Street and SW 205 Avenue on the afternoon of Oct. 11—just days after Garcia reported her missing.
Investigators say cell phone records placed Garcia traveling to and from the canal, and surveillance footage allegedly captured his car in the area around the time Martel disappeared.
Authorities also noted Garcia gave conflicting stories about the last time he saw her. He reportedly told investigators he’d seen Martel at home before dropping off their 2-year-old at daycare, but told a family friend he left her at a bus stop for work—even though she never showed up. He also suggested she might have been taken into ICE custody, according to police statements.
Witnesses told investigators that Martel had recently spoken about Garcia’s alleged verbal abuse and had asked a friend for a place to stay the day before she vanished. Authorities believe she was attempting to end the relationship.
The Medical Examiner later determined Martel died from a gunshot wound to the head and ruled the case a homicide.
Garcia was arrested on Nov. 26. Investigators say the evidence points to him as the person responsible for Martel’s death. Despite this, CBS News reports he has denied killing her and waived his right to legal counsel.
A judge has ordered Garcia held without bond.
Give him what he deserves.He took a life
Another illegal trash