Description
DEBARY, Fla. (WKMG/CBS Newspath/WKRC) — A Florida man was indicted after an international investigation led detectives to believe he caused the disappearance and death of his wife, reports WKMG.
Epifanio IX Ramos Gaminde of DeBary is charged with the first-degree murder of Maria Gaminde, who was first reported missing by family in January 2024. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office said Epifanio claimed Maria had left the country for the Philippines or Japan, but her family became suspicious as they saw sporadic text messages, emails and overseas credit card purchases.
"What mother of a 5-year-old or 11-year-old just disappears?" Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood questioned during a press conference Tuesday announcing Epifano's arrest.
There was reportedly no flight record confirming Maria left the United States, and when detectives traveled to the Philippines to speak to Epifanio's niece, she allegedly admitted that her uncle directed her to make purchases and communications to make Maria appear alive.
Epifanio is being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail without bond and is also being held on an immigration detainer.
Investigators are now searching for Maria's body.
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