Two individuals were arrested in connection with a homicide investigation involving a Central Florida fatal stabbing and disposing the body off Gandy Bridge near Tampa.
Through investigative means, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives determined that 42-year-old Arnaldo Cintron fatally stabbed 42-year-old Hiojaira Velez Bonilla following an altercation. 37-year-old Giselle Santiago Bonilla assisted Cintron in disposing of her body near the Weedon Island Preserve off the Gandy Bridge.
A man walked into the local district office claiming to have witnessed a homicide that occurred at a home on Maybrook Avenue and spanned into Pinellas County. Local detectives immediately launched an investigation, contacted St. Petersburg Police and recovered the body near the Weedon Island Preserve off the Gandy Bridge. Simultaneously, detectives responded to the home on Maybrook Avenue, where they found signs that a crime had occurred.
According to law enforcement, a warrant for Cintron and Giselle Bonilla’s arrest was issued, and both suspects were arrested on the 10000 block of Parsons Street.
Arnaldo Cintron was charged with Murder in the Second Degree With a Weapon, Unlawfully Hold or Move a Dead Human Body in Unapproved Conditions, Tampering With Physical Evidence, and Tampering With a Witness.
Giselle Santiago Bonilla was charged with Tampering With Physical Evidence, Unlawfully Hold or Move a Dead Human Body in Unapproved Conditions, Tampering With a Witness, and Accessory After the Fact.
“This was a brutal act of violence followed by a callous attempt to cover it up,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “No life should ever be taken in such a senseless manner, and no attempt to conceal a crime will shield those responsible from justice. Our detectives were relentless, ensuring both individuals were held accountable, and they will now face the full weight of the law.”
This is an active investigation, according to local law enforcement.
