A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the 2025 murder of a Florida woman, just days after another suspect entered a plea. This arrest marks a significant development in the case of Hiojaira Mercedes Velez-Bonilla, who was brutally stabbed to death in a domestic dispute.
Giselle Santiago-Bonilla’s Plea Deal
Giselle Santiago-Bonilla, 38, pleaded guilty in February to multiple charges, including accessory after the fact, tampering with a witness, tampering with evidence, and unlawfully moving a dead body. These charges are related to the stabbing death of her cousin, 41-year-old Hiojaira Mercedes Velez-Bonilla. According to authorities, Velez-Bonilla was killed by Santiago-Bonilla’s boyfriend, 43-year-old Arnaldo Cintron, after an argument over bills and household chores.
Elga Davis II’s Forced Involvement in the Crime
Police reported that Velez-Bonilla’s boyfriend, 30-year-old Elga Davis II, attempted to flee the scene, but Santiago-Bonilla allegedly blocked his exit. After Velez-Bonilla’s death, Davis was coerced into wearing her wig and dress as the couple disposed of her body.
Third Suspect Arrested: Andre Gerhardt
On February 26, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a third suspect, 33-year-old Andre Gerhardt. Previously known only by the alias “Tarzan,” Gerhardt allegedly helped Cintron and Santiago-Bonilla figure out how to dispose of Velez-Bonilla’s body. Gerhardt, who has been charged with unlawfully moving a dead body, carrying a concealed weapon as a felon, accessory after the fact, and burglary, was apprehended on February 24.
Davis’ Testimony and Details of the Crime
At a pretrial detention hearing for Cintron, Davis testified about the events leading up to Velez-Bonilla’s death. He claimed that Cintron and Santiago-Bonilla threatened him, stating that if he did not help clean up the crime scene, “he was next.” Davis explained how the three of them spent approximately four hours cleaning up the scene. Velez-Bonilla’s body was then stuffed into a cardboard box wrapped in black mesh. Out of fear, Davis complied with the demand to wear his deceased girlfriend’s clothing and wig as they transported her body to “Tarzan’s” apartment.
Gerhardt’s Role in the Disposal of the Body
Before finalizing her plea deal, Santiago-Bonilla identified Gerhardt as “Tarzan” and confirmed that he assisted in disposing of Velez-Bonilla’s body. After his arrest, Gerhardt admitted to helping Cintron, Santiago-Bonilla, and Davis remove the body from the car and drag it into the mangroves. He knew the contents of the box and admitted he never contacted law enforcement.
Court Dates for the Suspects
Cintron remains in custody at the Falkenburg Road Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 18. Gerhardt is also scheduled for a court appearance on the same day. Meanwhile, Santiago-Bonilla is set to be sentenced on April 29.
