A DeBary man has been charged with first degree murder in connection the 2024 disappearance of his wife. 48-year-old Epifanio IX Ramos Gaminde is accused of killing his wife, Maria Gaminde.
According to law enforcement, Maria Gaminde was last contacted by family members in January 2024. For almost three years, her whereabouts and status have remained unknown. In that time, Epifanio is said to have told detectives she moved internationally and was no longer living in DeBary.
Red flags were raised in the meantime by communications that were supposedly from Maria. Over time, it was determined that these messages were actually being written by Epifanio to cover up his wife's death.
The investigation eventually expanded into Japan and the Philippines, with assistance from international law enforcement agencies. Personnel from both the Volusia Sheriff's Office and the State Attorney's Office traveled to the Philippines to conduct interviews.
Eventually investigators deduced that Epifanio worked to keep up the appearance that his wife was still alive long after her death. The Volusia Sheriff's Office, who announced Epifanio's arrest on Tuesday, says Maria's body has not yet been recovered.
On Monday afternoon, Epifanio was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail without bond. He's been charged with first degree murder, illegal immigration status, driving with a suspended license, and failure to maintain vehicle insurance. There is currently an immigration detained on Epifanio from U.S. Immigrations & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
