A third suspect, 33-year-old Andre Gerhardt (aka “Tarzan”), was arrested February 24, 2026, in the 2025 stabbing murder of Florida woman Hiojaira Mercedes Velez-Bonilla, 41, joining charges against her cousin Giselle Santiago-Bonilla and the victim’s boyfriend’s killer, Arnaldo Cintron.
Case Background
Velez-Bonilla was allegedly stabbed by Santiago-Bonilla’s boyfriend, Cintron, 43, during an argument over bills and chores at their Hillsborough County apartment. Her boyfriend, Elga Davis II, 30, tried fleeing but was blocked; the couple then coerced him at knifepoint to help clean up under death threats.
Arrests and Pleas
Santiago-Bonilla, 38, pleaded guilty in February to accessory after the fact, witness tampering, evidence tampering, and unlawful body movement. Gerhardt faces those plus felon-in-possession and burglary for aiding body disposal in mangroves after helping drag the boxed remains—he admitted knowing contents but not calling police.
Next Steps
Davis testified they forced him to wear Velez-Bonilla’s wig/dress for the drop-off. Cintron (first-degree murder) and Gerhardt appear May 18; Santiago-Bonilla sentenced April 29. All acted out of fear per accounts, with the body found in mangroves after four-hour cleanup.
