A Miami man has been arrested following an investigation into the murder of his alleged lover, Linda Campitelli, whose body was discovered in Lantana, Florida, on October 28, 2024. Rene J. Perez, 38, faces charges of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence, as confirmed by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
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Authorities apprehended Perez on March 10, 2024, in connection with Campitelli’s death, and he is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail. His initial court appearance took place on March 11, where he was ordered to return for further hearings, with a case conference scheduled for April 30. A bond has been set at £50,000, and he has been prohibited from contacting Campitelli’s family.
Linda Campitelli, 35, was found lying unresponsive in the southbound lanes of Lyons Road after emergency services received multiple reports from the public. Witnesses described her as bleeding profusely from the mouth, and she was pronounced dead at 10:26 PM on the night of her discovery. The police investigation revealed that Campitelli had sustained several severe injuries, including blunt force trauma to her head and torso, which ultimately led to the confirmation of her death as a homicide.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, a thorough examination of the crime scene indicated signs of a violent struggle. Blood spatters inside her vehicle suggested that she had been violently assaulted before being transported, possibly after being injured in the conflict. Evidence collected at the scene pointed to a scenario in which Campitelli had been forcibly dragged along the road’s surface.
Investigators were able to identify the victim using her iPhone, which had been located near her body. This led to conversations with her husband, Jon Campitelli, who informed detectives that Linda had left home earlier with plans to have dinner with friends, a statement supported by cell phone records that indicated he had remained home the entire evening.
Further inquiries revealed that Linda and Perez had been involved in an extramarital affair for approximately two years, both of them married to other individuals at the time. Friends of Linda disclosed to detectives that they believed she was engaging in a relationship with Perez. Examination of her cell phone records showed a high frequency of communication between Linda and Perez, with messages exchanged about a meeting planned for the night of her death.
In one message, Linda expressed feelings of nervousness and uncertainty about their meeting, prompting Perez to respond reassuringly. He allegedly suggested romantic intentions, but he later claimed to detectives that he had cancelled their meeting, stating that Linda had reacted extremely upset to the news. This assertion has been called into question as investigators found no supporting evidence in the phone records.
Furthermore, video footage contradicted Perez’s timeline for the evening of Campitelli’s murder, suggesting he provided false information during police interviews. A search of his residence uncovered the same type of medical sheets that were discovered in Linda’s vehicle, further linking him to the crime.
Linda’s tragic passing has left her two young daughters, all under ten years old, mourning the loss of their mother. Described as bold, sassy, and fun-loving by friends and family, her death has sparked a significant emotional response within the community.
As the investigation continues, the court will have to address the evidence presented against Perez, as well as the impact of this case on the victims’ family and the broader community grappling with the aftermath of such a devastating incident. The legal proceedings will unfold as court dates approach, and the quest for justice in Linda Campitelli’s murder remains ongoing.