Couple Was Tied Up and ‘Executed’ in Front of 3-Year-Old Child. 33 Years Later, a Suspect Has Been Arrested

A man has been apprehended in Florida, suspected of a double homicide that occurred over three decades ago in the Bronx, New York. William Antonio Solis, aged 62, was taken into custody on April 22, 2023, following a lengthy investigation by federal authorities regarding the murders of Luis Guerrero and his wife, Danis Sime, in June 1993.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the arrest, describing it as a significant step towards justice for the victims’ family and the community, which has been affected by the tragedy for more than 30 years. Prosecutors allege that Solis, along with two accomplices, planned a robbery of Guerrero, purportedly a narcotics supplier, which ultimately resulted in the shocking execution-style killings.

According to the indictment, Guerrero was restrained along with his wife, who was lured into their apartment under false pretences. Both victims were bound and subsequently shot in the head by Solis, actions witnessed by their three-year-old child, who was present during the attack. The incident has been vividly remembered due to its violent nature and the traumatic impact on a young child.

At the time, local media reported harrowing details from the crime scene. Neighbours recalled the moments following the tragedy when the boy was found outside his home, distraught, calling for his parents. One neighbour, Chris Anton, described the child’s fear, saying he was screaming for his father and could only communicate that “someone else” had taken his mother. This horrifying incident has left an indelible mark on those who lived nearby and knew the couple.

In a press release, NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch noted the long-standing commitment to justice, highlighting that this case, despite its age, demonstrates the force’s dedication to holding criminals accountable regardless of the passage of time. She remarked, “The defendant in this case allegedly executed two New Yorkers in cold blood over 30 years ago, right in front of their 3-year-old child.”

Solis has been charged with intentional killing while engaged in a narcotics conspiracy, a serious charge that carries a potential life sentence. U.S. Attorney Clayton reinforced the office’s commitment to pursuing violent offenders, asserting, “This office always will pursue perpetrators of violence, and time is no bar to our investigation and prosecution of these horrific crimes.”

The authorities detailed that while investigations were carried out in 1993, narcotics linked to the victims were discovered, suggesting the murders were likely tied to drug-related activities. Neighbours had described Guerrero and Sime as “quiet, nice people” who kept to themselves and did not cause trouble, contrasting sharply with the violent nature of their deaths.

Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, emphasized the resolve of law enforcement agencies involved in the case. He stated, “Regardless of the time that has passed or the distance travelled, HSI New York, together with the Southern District of New York and the NYPD, will stop at nothing to ensure those responsible for senseless violence face justice on behalf of New Yorkers.”

After his arrest, Solis is expected to appear in federal court in the Middle District of Florida, with the case subsequently assigned to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain in New York. The unfolding prosecution process will navigate the complexities of a case that has remained unresolved for decades, as the families of the victims continue to seek closure.

This case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of violent crime not just on individual victims, but also on families and communities. The New York authorities hope that the developments in this case will not only bring justice but also provide some measure of solace to those affected by the tragic events of that fateful day in 1993.