Nearly two years after a Palm Beach County nurse was found dead along a roadside, investigators say digital evidence and surveillance footage helped finally identify the man they believe is responsible.
Authorities recently arrested 38-year-old Rene Perez, who now faces charges including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the 2024 killing of Linda Campitelli, a married mother and nurse. The arrest followed a lengthy investigation that officials say involved analyzing large amounts of phone data and witness statements, according to reports from local outlet WPTV and coverage summarized in the New York Post.
Investigators say Perez and Campitelli had been involved in a secret romantic relationship for about two years after meeting at work in the medical field. Both were married at the time.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the two arranged to meet on October 28, 2024, for what Perez allegedly described as a special birthday celebration for Campitelli. Messages between the pair on WhatsApp revealed frequent communication leading up to the meeting, including one message in which Campitelli told Perez she felt “a little nervous” about their plans.
Authorities believe the pair met that night at a remote office building in Wellington, Florida, where Perez had previously worked. Surveillance cameras reportedly captured Campitelli’s Chevrolet Tahoe arriving at the location and leaving later that evening.
Investigators say the back of the SUV had been prepared with a birthday blanket and medical absorbent sheets similar to those used at the hospital where Perez worked.
Detectives believe the attack occurred there.
According to the arrest affidavit, Campitelli suffered severe blunt force trauma, including fractures to her skull and ribs, along with other injuries. Her body was discovered roughly 50 feet away from the vehicle along Lyons Road after multiple 911 callers reported seeing a woman lying unresponsive near the roadway.
Evidence at the scene included blood inside the SUV and on Campitelli’s Apple Watch, which investigators said was found in the vehicle’s center console.
Authorities also say surveillance cameras later captured Perez near his workplace that same night throwing an unknown object into a trash container.
When questioned by detectives, Perez claimed he had canceled the planned meeting, but investigators say phone records did not support that explanation. Officials also discovered he had been using a secret prepaid phone, which became a key piece of evidence in the case.
Investigators said solving the case required more than 50 search warrants and hundreds of hours of digital analysisbefore finally linking Perez to the crime.
Campitelli’s mother told reporters she feels a measure of relief that the suspect has been arrested after the long investigation.
Perez is currently being held without bond at the Palm Beach County Jail while the case moves forward.
