Florida Nurse Charged with Murder After Luring Ex-Colleague to Fatal Birthday Meeting
In a shocking case that has gripped Florida, a male nurse has been arrested and charged with the brutal murder of a married former colleague after allegedly luring her to a meeting under the guise of a romantic birthday surprise. Authorities have taken Rene Perez, 38, into custody in Miami, where he faces serious charges including first-degree murder, using a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of Linda Campitelli.
Secret Relationship and Fatal Encounter
Investigators from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office revealed that Perez and Campitelli had been involved in a clandestine relationship for approximately two years after meeting while both worked at Wellington Regional Medical Center. According to court documents, the pair arranged to meet on October 28, 2024, to celebrate Campitelli’s birthday, despite both being married at the time.
The day before the planned meeting, Campitelli reportedly sent Perez a message expressing nervousness about their encounter. “I love you, I feel kinda weird. I don’t know what to expect tomorrow,” she wrote, as cited by investigators. Perez allegedly reassured her, claiming he was simply trying to show his romantic side.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
On the night of the meeting, Campitelli left her home wearing a red dress and black heels, telling her husband she was going out with friends. Authorities later determined that her vehicle, a Chevrolet Tahoe, arrived near a building belonging to the Retina Group of Florida in Wellington, where Perez had previously worked.
Investigators found that Perez had placed a blanket in the back of the vehicle with a birthday message reading, “Happy Birthday. Hope your birthday is out of this world,” along with medical sheets typically used to control odor and moisture. Later that night, police responded to emergency calls reporting an unresponsive woman near the vehicle, discovering Campitelli’s body about 50 feet away.
Brutal Injuries and Evidence Tampering
Court records indicate that Campitelli suffered severe blunt force trauma to the head and torso, including skull fractures, rib injuries, and deep scalp lacerations. Investigators also found large pools of blood near the vehicle, drag marks on the ground, and signs suggesting her body had been moved.
Campitelli’s blood-stained smartwatch was recovered from inside the vehicle, and authorities noted that someone had attempted to wipe blood from the door handle. Surveillance footage later showed Perez walking near his workplace at Delray Medical Center that same evening and throwing an unidentified object into a trash container.
Investigation and Arrest
Perez initially told investigators he had canceled the meeting with Campitelli because his son was sick, but detectives said phone records and text messages contradicted this claim. The investigation involved numerous witness interviews, over 50 search warrants, and extensive analysis of cellphone data before authorities were able to make an arrest.
Perez has been ordered held without bond and remains in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail as the case progresses. The tragic incident highlights the dangers of secret relationships and the severe consequences of violent crimes, with the community awaiting further developments in this heartbreaking case.
