Miami-Dade, Florida – A South Florida man who once suggested that his missing girlfriend may have been picked up by federal immigration authorities is now accused of killing her. Investigators say the claim was a lie meant to steer suspicion away from him.
Saul Garcia Gonzalez, 40, is now facing second-degree murder charges in the death of 37-year-old Nerida Martel, whose body was found on October 11 in a canal just a few blocks from the home they shared. Martel had been shot in the head, according to detectives.
Discovery of the Body and Initial Missing Report
Martel was reported missing by Gonzalez on October 6, just days before her body was discovered. Authorities said he told police that he had taken their 2-year-old daughter to day care and believed Martel had arranged a ride to work. That account quickly raised concerns as it contradicted what he told others.
Investigators revealed that Gonzalez later told a family friend that Martel might have been detained by ICE. This explanation became a critical part of the early missing-person investigation, but detectives now say it was entirely fabricated.
Investigation That Turned Toward Gonzalez
Miami-Dade police said on Thursday that homicide detectives were able to determine, through investigative work, that Gonzalez was responsible for Martel’s death.
Cellphone data played a major role in building the case. According to the arrest report, Martel’s phone remained at the couple’s home at the same time Gonzalez claimed she had left for work. Shortly after he dropped their daughter off at day care, both his and Martel’s phones traveled toward the area where her body was later found.
Investigators described a troubling sequence:
- Gonzalez’s phone traveled to the canal area where Martel’s body was later recovered.
- Both phones moved together shortly after, then Martel’s phone was turned off.
- Gonzalez’s device remained in the area before eventually returning home.
The arrest report said the phone location data directly contradicted the story Gonzalez told witnesses and police.
Evidence of a Troubled Relationship
Court filings suggest that Martel was attempting to leave the relationship before her death. She reportedly told relatives that Gonzalez had been verbally abusive and had reached out to a friend seeking a safe place to stay with her daughter.
“The evidence collected in this case refutes all of the statements that the defendant provided,” the arrest report states. Detectives say the information showed he was never at a bus stop dropping Martel off and did not go straight to work after leaving their daughter.
Police Capture at Shopping Center
Gonzalez was arrested Wednesday at a local shopping center. Security footage captured several officers approaching him—one visibly holding a gun. Gonzalez surrendered without incident.
A local business employee who witnessed Gonzalez around the area described him as polite and attentive to his daughter.
“He always came alone with the little girl,” the witness said. “He was normal, easy to get along with. He would always say good morning.”
The witness added that the Department of Children and Families later came to pick up the child from a nearby day care.
Community Shock and Ongoing Court Process
The case has shaken the local community, especially those who had seen Gonzalez frequently with his child. One employee expressed concern for the daughter’s wellbeing, saying, “Her mother has passed away, and now her father is in jail.”
Gonzalez has been denied bond and remains in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.
Domestic Violence Awareness and Support
Authorities emphasize that situations where a partner attempts to leave an abusive relationship can be particularly dangerous. Advocates encourage anyone experiencing signs of emotional, verbal, or physical abuse to seek help immediately through confidential support services.
Conclusion
Detectives say the combination of cellphone data, conflicting statements, and evidence of a deteriorating relationship created a clear picture of what happened in the days leading to Martel’s death. The investigation continues as prosecutors move forward with the murder case.
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