A Florida nurse, Rene Perez, 38, has been arrested for allegedly killing his married former co-worker, Linda Campitelli, after inviting her to a supposed romantic birthday surprise. Perez faces charges of first-degree murder, using a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence. Investigators say the pair had a secret two-year affair while both were married.

Campitelli reportedly expressed nervousness about meeting Perez on October 28, 2024, but he reassured her. That evening, she left home under the pretense of going out with friends, wearing a red dress and black heels. Authorities later found her body near her vehicle outside the Retina Group of Florida in Wellington, showing severe blunt force trauma.

Investigators discovered signs of a struggle, including pools of blood, drag marks, and attempts to clean blood from the vehicle. A blood-stained smartwatch was recovered, and surveillance footage showed Perez disposing of an object near his workplace. Perez initially lied to authorities about canceling the meeting, but phone records contradicted his statement.

The investigation included over 50 search warrants, witness interviews, and detailed cellphone data analysis. Perez remains in custody at the Palm Beach County Jail without bond as the case proceeds. Authorities continue to gather evidence to support prosecution.