A man has been arrested after his wife’s body was discovered by detectives in his backyard.
Florida resident Roberto Colon, 66, was apprehended on Saturday and charged with murder after detectives found human remains in his backyard, later identified as missing person Mary Stella Gomez-Mullet, 45.
Colon and Gomez-Mullet married earlier this year after just weeks of meeting.
Colon, of Boynton Beach, Florida, told authorities that he married Gomez-Mullet to enable her to gain citizenship in the US, and in return, she was looking after his elderly mother.
A witness in the case told police that she heard Gomez-Mullet shouting “No, no, no Roberto!” during a phone call that abruptly ended.
After being connected to voicemail when she attempted to call back, the friend became concerned for Gomez-Mullet’s wellbeing and reported her missing to the police on February 20.
Just four days later, a purse covered in blood was found — along with some items which belonged to Gomez-Mullet — a mile from Roberto Colon’s house.
When questioned by police, Colon said his wife had disappeared while he was out at an appointment on February 18.
A search of Colon’s home revealed bloodstains in the garage and on the door. While the suspect initially suggested the blood belonged to his dead dog, lab tests confirmed it was human blood.
Colon was reported to have shouted at the police officers, as well as telling them that Gomez-Mullet was “swimming with the fishes.”
He said: “There’s one thing they can’t do; they can’t put, what’s his name, Humpty Dumpty back together again.”
Colon laughed at the police before yelling: “There’s really nothing they can take from my house, you know. It’s no use to them in prosecution. Except parts and s—t.”
A further search of the property last Friday resulted in the discovery of remains that were later identified as Gomez-Mullet.
One of Colon’s neighbors, who was shocked by the horrible murder, spoke to the local media and explained that he was a quiet man and added: “Everyone is surprised. It’s something we do not expect to happen in this neighborhood because this part of Boynton Beach is very quiet. Everybody knows everybody.”
If found guilty, Roberto Colon could face life behind bars. In a statement issued by the police department, Police Chief Michael Gregory sent “heartfelt condolences to Mary’s family and loved ones.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities try to put different theories together to explain what happened.
