UPDATE: February 26, 2026
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a third suspect connected to the August 15, 2025, murder of 42-year-old Hiojaira Velez-Bonilla.
Through investigative means, detectives learned Andre Lamont Gerhardt, 33, assisted co-defendant Arnaldo Citron, 43, and co-defendant Giselle Santiago-Bonilla, 38, in transporting and disposing of the victim's body in Pinellas County. The co-defendants were arrested in August 2025.
On February 23, 2026, detectives met with the State Attorney's Office and, after reviewing the evidence, additional charges were approved for Gerhardt. A warrant was obtained for him.
On February 24, 2026, at 9:05 p.m., Gerhardt was seen by deputies getting into his vehicle after walking out of his apartment on the 5000 block of Louis XIV Court in Tampa. Before he could drive off, Gerhardt was arrested.
Gerhardt is charged with:
- Unlawfully Hold or Move a Dead Human Body in Unapproved Conditions
- Felon Carrying Concealed Weapon
- Accessory After the Fact
- Burglary of an Occupied Conveyance
"From the very beginning of this investigation, our detectives made a commitment to pursue every lead and hold every individual accountable for their role in this horrific crime," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "The arrest of this third suspect sends a clear message: no matter how long it takes, we will not stop working until justice is served."
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
UPDATE: August 19, 2025
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested two individuals in connection with a homicide investigation in Riverview.
Through investigative means, detectives determined that Arnaldo Cintron, 42, fatally stabbed Hiojaira Velez Bonilla, 42, following an altercation. Giselle Santiago Bonilla, 37, assisted Cintron in disposing of her body near the Weedon Island Preserve off the Gandy Bridge.
A warrant for Cintron and Giselle Bonilla's arrest was issued on August 17, 2025. On August 18, 2025, both suspects were arrested on the 10000 block of Parsons Street.
Arnaldo Cintron has been 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
- 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
- Accessory After the Fact
"This was a brutal act of violence followed by a callous attempt to cover it up," said 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. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
ORIGINAL: August 16, 2025
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is investigating a homicide in Riverview.
Shortly after 9 p.m. on August 15, 2025, a man walked into our District II office claiming to have witnessed a homicide that occurred at a home on Maybrook Avenue and spanned into Pinellas County.
Our detectives immediately launched an investigation, contacted St. Petersburg Police and recovered a 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.
The Medical Examiner's Office is working to identify the body recovered in Pinellas County.
The person who came into our district office is cooperating. At this time, no one is under arrest in connection with this investigation.
"While our detectives continue to actively work this investigation, someone in our community knows what happened, and your information, no matter how small it may seem, could be the key to delivering justice for this victim and their family," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Help us hold those responsible accountable."
If anyone has information about this crime, please contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
