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Florida Man Who Reported Girlfriend Missing Charged with Second‑Degree Murder After Body Found in Canal

Saul Garcia‑Gonzalez, 40, has been charged with second‑degree murder after his girlfriend, 37‑year‑old Nerida Martel, was found dead in a Miami canal on Oct. 11. Investigators say cell‑phone location data and surveillance footage placed Garcia‑Gonzalez near the scene, and the medical examiner ruled Martel’s death a homicide from a gunshot to the head. Witnesses reported Martel had mentioned verbal abuse and sought a place to stay before she disappeared, suggesting she may have wanted to end the relationship. Garcia‑Gonzalez was arrested on Nov. 26 and is being held without bond.

05:41 AM, 11/29/2025Society
Florida Man Who Reported Girlfriend Missing Charged with Second‑Degree Murder After Body Found in Canal

A Miami‑Dade man who initially reported his girlfriend missing has been charged with second‑degree murder after her body was recovered from a canal.

Authorities say 40‑year‑old Saul Garcia‑Gonzalez is accused in the death of 37‑year‑old Nerida Martel. Investigators found Martel’s body floating in a canal near SW 168th Street and SW 205th Avenue on Oct. 11. The Miami‑Dade Medical Examiner later ruled her death a homicide, caused by a gunshot wound to the head.

Evidence and investigation

Detectives linked Garcia‑Gonzalez to the scene using cell‑phone location data that allegedly showed trips to and from the canal. Surveillance footage also reportedly placed his vehicle in the area around the time investigators believe the death occurred. An arrest affidavit notes inconsistencies in Garcia‑Gonzalez’s accounts of when and where he last saw Martel.

Witnesses told investigators that Martel had complained of verbal abuse and had asked a friend for a place to stay the day before she disappeared. Authorities said those statements suggested Martel may have been planning to end the relationship.

Arrest and charges

Garcia‑Gonzalez was arrested on Nov. 26 and has been charged with second‑degree murder. After his arrest he denied killing Martel and waived his right to legal counsel, according to investigators. During a subsequent court appearance, a judge ordered him held without bond.

The investigation remains active as detectives continue to gather evidence and prepare the case for prosecution.

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