The man who reported his girlfriend missing last month — days before she was found dead in a Miami-Dade canal — is now facing a murder charge, authorities announced.
Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office discovered the body of 37-year-old Nerida Martel on Oct. 11 in a canal near SW 168 Street and SW 205 Avenue, launching a homicide investigation. Officers were called just before 4 p.m. after reports of a body floating in the water. When they arrived, they located Martel and notified the MDSO Homicide Bureau.
Investigators say 40-year-old Saul Garcia Gonzalez, who lived with Martel and their 2-year-old daughter, reported her missing on Oct. 8. He told deputies he had last seen her two days earlier and had been unable to reach her by phone.
Investigators uncover inconsistencies
A family friend told detectives that Garcia Gonzalez first claimed he dropped Martel at a bus stop on Oct. 6 so she could go to work. However, her employer said she never arrived. Garcia Gonzalez allegedly told the friend he suspected Martel might be in ICE custody, but after learning she wasn’t, the friend urged him to report her missing.
Another friend said that on Oct. 5, Martel had been looking for a new place for herself and her daughter — a sign she was trying to end the relationship. Martel’s relatives also said Garcia Gonzalez was verbally abusive toward her, according to investigators.
During an Oct. 13 interview, a cadaver dog searching the couple’s residence showed a change in behavior around the exterior of their living quarters, officials said.
Detectives also found evidence of a prior domestic disturbance. On May 23, a 911 call from Martel’s phone captured a woman hysterically screaming for help, with a child and a man yelling in the background before the call disconnected.
Phone data contradicts suspect’s story
When Martel disappeared, phone records placed Garcia Gonzalez’s device traveling around the canal multiple times. Investigators say his phone never went to the bus stop where he claimed to have dropped her off. Surveillance video also showed his vehicle near the canal area.
On Wednesday, homicide detectives arrested Garcia Gonzalez and charged him with second-degree murder.
According to officials, after being read his Miranda rights, Garcia Gonzalez waived legal counsel and denied killing Martel.
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