The married nurse who was allegedly murdered by the colleague she was having an affair with lied to her husband before the fatal rendezvous, the Daily Mail can reveal.
Linda Campitelli, 35, was beaten to death in a makeshift love nest in the back of her husband's Chevy Tahoe in Palm Beach County, Florida on October 28, 2024.
Rene J. Perez, 38, was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection to her death.
Campitelli and Perez, also a nurse, had been romantically involved for two years, despite both of them having doctor spouses.
The night of her killing, the mother-of-two told her husband Dr Jon Campitelli that she was 'going out to have dinner with friends,' a probable cause affidavit said.
She left their $884,700 family home some time before 8pm that night, wearing a red dress and black heels, and went to meet up with Perez at his then-workplace for a belated birthday celebration, investigators allege.
Photos recovered from her phone show how the back Dr Campitelli's SUV was transformed into a makeshift bed using medical sheets. The seats were laid down and a 'happy birthday' table cover was affixed to the ceiling, according to the police who think the back of the car may have been used for an assignation.
Investigators believe Perez attacked Campitelli inside the Tahoe, drove roughly 18 miles away, and abandoned the SUV. He then dragged her body along the road and fled the scene. No motive for the killing has been given.
Campitelli's remains were found about 50 feet away from the Tahoe. She was dressed in the same attire she left her house, but her dress was 'completely torn and blemished with black tar from the roadway,' the affidavit said.
Dr Jon Campitelli and registered nurse Linda Campitelli got married in 2016. The couple are pictured in August 2022 with their two daughters
Campitelli, seen on vacation with her husband Jon in May 2024, was killed in October 2024. Police allege she was murdered by a colleague with whom she had been dating for two years
Rene J. Perez, 38, was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection to her death
Campitelli suffered blunt force trauma to the head and torso, a skull fracture and rib fractures, a postmortem examination found. There was also an accumulation of blood in the skull and contusions on her upper back and neck.
Her body had significant bruising and severe road rash, and her heels were worn down, disfigured, and distorted. Investigators said her injuries were consistent with that of being compressed against the road while being forcibly dragged.
When deputies arrived on the scene, the Tahoe - which was registered to Dr Campitelli - was still running, according to the affidavit.
The front driver's side tire was flat and the rear driver's door handle had transfer blood stains on it, which authorities say suggests that someone tried to wipe blood off of the vehicle.
Detectives identified Perez as a suspect in Campitelli's murder through a trail of digital clues, including the pair's WhatsApp messages.
Campitelli and Perez communicated daily through the platform, investigator allege. They often discussed work, familial affairs and made plans for in-person meetings.
The day before her death, Campitelli told Perez that she was feeling 'a little nervous' about the special celebration was planning for her.
On the night of her killing, Linda Campitelli (pictured in February 2023) lied to Jon, telling him that she was 'going out to have dinner with friends,' a probable cause affidavit said
Rene Perez, right, appeared before a judge on Wednesday and was denied bond
Linda Campitell's mother said that the couple's two daughters are in 'great hands' with their father Dr Jon Campitelli (pictured)
'I love you,' she messaged. 'I feel kinda weird. I don’t know what to expect tomorrow. You’ve never done anything like this for me before and I feel a little nervous.'
Perez told her she did not need to worry and claimed he was trying to show that 'I can be romantic,' the affidavit stated. He added that his romantic gesture 'probably wont be as good as what youve (sic) done for me.'
Campitelli then confirmed their meeting time and asked him if he was '100% sure this is ok.' He reassured her it was and said 'I love you so much.' She echoed the remark.
The accused killer admitted to having an affair with Campitelli, but told detectives he cancelled their October 28 meeting because 'his son was sick,' the court filing said.
But investigators said there were no messages to corroborate his claim. Surveillance camera footage and cell phone GPS data also put him at the scene of the crime.
Perez was arrested Tuesday in Miami and transported to Palm Beach County Jail. He appeared before a judge Wednesday and was denied bond.
Campitelli married her husband Jon in 2016, roughly one year after they met, according to her obituary. They had two daughters together.
She started working as a registered nurse in 2014 and was preparing to begin a new position before she died.
The nurse's mother Edina Casanas spoke to WPTV on Tuesday, sharing how the family is battling a 'million emotions' right now.
'I'm obviously always sad but there's a sense of closure,' she told the outlet,vowing to follow the case through the court system.
Casanas added that her granddaughters are in 'great hands' with their father and that she wants Campitelli to be remembered for her heart and generosity towards others.