Friday, January 30, 2015

CCSO Asking For Public’s Help Finding ’02 Homicide Suspect

Suspect: Adolfo Cruz Rivera


A van pulled up to the trailer at 658 El Paso Trail in Immokalee shortly after 8:30 p.m. An argument ensued and the van sped away.


The body of Felix Resendiz Santiago lay in a pool of blood in the parking lot. He had been stabbed multiple times.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office detectives believe they know who killed the 31-year-old farm laborer   outside his residence the night of May 26, 2002.

Three days after Santiago was murdered, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging his roommate Adolfo Cruz Rivera with the crime.

The case remains an active investigation and detectives are asking for the public’s help finding Rivera, who is believed to still be in Southwest Florida.

“Given his history, I believe Adolfo Cruz Rivera has remained in Southwest Florida over the years, mostly in the Immokalee and LaBelle areas, where he has immediate family and close friends,” said Detective Thom Cullen, who is leading the investigation.

“Information we have received suggest he may be using an alias,” Detective Cullen added.

During the investigation, detectives spoke with several witnesses who were able to provide detectives with an account of what occurred.

One of the witnesses told detectives that Santiago and Rivera had a verbal argument over some personal property which led to a physical altercation. Witnesses advised that they saw Rivera stab Santiago several times. Rivera fled the scene.

Crime scene responded and processed the scene for evidence. A possible murder weapon was located.

Upon further investigation it was determined that Rivera was the primary suspect in this case. 

Rivera was a 25-year-old farm laborer at the time of the crime. At 5 feet 7 inches tall, he weighed 160 pounds and wore his straight black hair short and had a mustache. 

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help. If you have any information or have seen Adolfo Cruz Rivera, please call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-8477.

Click  here to watch a video of Detective Thom Cullen discussing the case.


Victim: Felix Resendiz Santiago