This defendant was arrested for a murder that happened in Miami 14 years ago
Police identified the suspect as 52-year-old Israel Cruz.
His arrest warrant states that on January 23, 2008, Israel and his brother Eliezer allegedly broke into the home of the victim, identified as Santiago Hernández, and robbed it and were brutally beaten. The thieves escaped with money and belongings from the victim, who died weeks later.
Authorities’ investigations at the time led to the discovery of DNA samples in the home of a half-smoked cigarette and a baseball cap.
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In 2017, police had the IDs of Eliezer and Israel Cruz, who were then brothers-in-law to Magalis Cruz who were attending to the fatal victim.
She, questioned by police, denied any connection to the crime.
The defendant was required to undergo a DNA test, following a May 5 court order this year that allowed police to arrest Israel Cruz on Oct. 6 on charges of second-degree murder, robbery and assault.
During the court hearing, the judge left the defendant without bail and, if found guilty, could face life imprisonment
Source: Daniel Benitez | americateve.com