WINTER SPRINGS, FL – The fate of a Seminole County father now hangs in the balance after a jury found him guilty of brutally killing his children’s mother in what prosecutors described as a calculated and violent act inside their shared apartment. Jurors needed just 14 minutes of deliberation before unanimously finding 38-year-old Farel Torres guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 34-year-old Vanessa Santiago.
Prosecutors revealed that in the early hours of May 29, Torres deliberately prepared to kill Santiago by retrieving a large steak knife from the kitchen and disabling a bedroom security camera. The couple, who lived in an apartment on Winter Woods Boulevard, had been arguing prior to the attack. Authorities said Santiago was in the process of ending their relationship and attempting to evict Torres from the home she rented and paid for.
After the fatal altercation, Torres left Santiago’s body on the bedroom floor while he took their two young children to school. It wasn’t until after his return that he called 911, admitting he had stabbed his girlfriend and left the knife lodged in her head. Torres reportedly was distraught and tearful during the call, telling dispatchers she was beyond help.
When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene shortly after 9 a.m., Santiago was pronounced dead. In subsequent interviews with investigators, Torres described a tense confrontation with Santiago that morning, although when pressed for a detailed account of what transpired, he broke down and was unable to continue.
Evidence presented at trial included apartment security footage, which captured the sounds and images of a heated argument moments before the attack. Prosecutors noted that the couple’s children were at home during the violence. According to investigators, one of the boys entered the bedroom during the stabbing and was quickly ushered away by Torres.
Beyond the physical evidence, investigators discovered Torres had gone through Santiago’s personal social media accounts and accessed her financial information after the attack. Authorities said Torres transferred funds from Santiago’s bank account into his own and copied details from her credit cards.
Defense attorneys argued for a reduced charge of manslaughter, claiming Torres acted in a moment of intense emotion sparked by the breakup. However, the jury rejected this defense, finding the evidence pointed to a deliberate and premeditated act.
Torres, who is currently being held in custody, faces sentencing on November 5. If handed the maximum penalty, he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The case has brought renewed attention to issues surrounding domestic violence and its impact on families, particularly when children are involved. Seminole County officials have emphasized support resources for families experiencing similar situations.
Court records indicate Torres showed little emotion as the verdict was read. The couple’s children are now in the care of relatives as the legal process for Torres moves forward.