A third suspect, 33-year-old Andre Gerhardt, has been arrested in connection with the 2025 murder of Florida woman Hiojaira Mercedes Velez-Bonilla, following the guilty plea of Giselle Santiago-Bonilla, who pleaded guilty to several charges in relation to the crime.
Gerhardt’s arrest comes after a detailed investigation into the stabbing death of Velez-Bonilla, allegedly committed by Santiago-Bonilla’s boyfriend, Arnaldo Cintron.
The Brutal Murder of Hiojaira Mercedes Velez-Bonilla
Velez-Bonilla, 41, was fatally stabbed during a domestic dispute with Cintron, 43, over financial and household matters. After her death, Santiago-Bonilla, 38, and Cintron allegedly forced 30-year-old Elga Davis II, Velez-Bonilla’s boyfriend, to participate in a bizarre and gruesome scheme.
Davis testified that the couple threatened him, telling him that unless he helped clean up the crime scene, he would be the next victim.
The Gruesome Body Disposal
After spending hours cleaning up the scene, the group stuffed Velez-Bonilla’s body into a cardboard box wrapped in black mesh.
In a chilling twist, Davis was forced to wear one of Velez-Bonilla’s wigs and a dress while he drove the body to an apartment belonging to Andre Gerhardt, who had been identified as “Tarzan” by Santiago-Bonilla. Gerhardt allegedly helped Cintron and Santiago-Bonilla figure out how to dispose of the body.
Arrest of Andre Gerhardt
On February 26, 2026, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Andre Gerhardt, who faces charges of unlawfully moving a dead body, accessory after the fact, carrying a concealed weapon as a felon, and burglary.
Gerhardt reportedly assisted in moving the body from the car to the mangroves, knowing full well the contents of the box. He was arrested on February 24 and confessed to his involvement in the crime.
The Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Cintron, who has been charged with first-degree murder, unlawfully moving a dead body, tampering with evidence, and tampering with a witness, remains in custody.
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 18, 2026. Santiago-Bonilla is scheduled for sentencing on April 29, 2026, after pleading guilty to accessory after the fact, tampering with a witness, tampering with evidence, and unlawfully moving a dead body.
The Impact on the Victim’s Family
The tragic and senseless murder of Hiojaira Mercedes Velez-Bonilla has left her family devastated. The involvement of multiple individuals in the crime has raised concerns about the brutality of the act and the lengths to which the suspects went to cover up the murder.
As the case progresses, the legal system will have to address the roles each suspect played in the crime.
