Birthday lure ends in murder: Nurse arrested

A nurse, Rene Perez, 38, was arrested on Tuesday in Miami, Florida, for the alleged murder of Linda Campitelli, his former married ex-colleague. Campitelli died in October 2024 from blunt force trauma, sustaining skull and rib fractures.

Perez is accused of luring Campitelli to a birthday celebration with romantic texts, despite both being married. Campitelli's car was found at a building where Perez previously worked, with a birthday blanket and supplies in the back.

Police found Campitelli's body approximately 50 feet from her vehicle. Evidence indicated she was dragged from her car, with blood found on the car door handle and her Apple Watch.

Perez was apprehended after an extensive investigation, including witness interviews and cell phone data analysis. He is currently held without bond, facing charges of first-degree murder, weapon possession, and evidence tampering.