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| 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.
Click here to watch a video of Detective Thom Cullen discussing the case.
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| Victim: Felix Resendiz Santiago |
