WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A nurse in South Florida is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Linda Campitelli, whose body was discovered in October after what authorities believe was a premeditated encounter related to her birthday. Campitelli, a 35-year-old married nurse, was found unresponsive next to her Chevrolet Tahoe in a Palm Beach County parking lot.
Rene Perez, 38, was taken into custody in Miami on March 10, 2026, following an extensive investigation that began with the discovery of Campitelli’s body on October 28, 2024. Detectives say the pair had been involved in a covert relationship for approximately two years and had planned to meet the evening she was killed. Evidence collected includes a complex web of WhatsApp messages, surveillance footage, phone records, and forensic details from the scene.
On the night of the discovery, law enforcement responded around 11:15 p.m. after motorists reported a woman lying on the ground. Investigators found Campitelli in a pool of blood, suffering from severe head trauma and other injuries. An autopsy later determined her cause of death to be blunt force trauma, with significant injuries to her head and body. Days before the incident, Campitelli had expressed anxiety about the meeting with Perez, indicating it was a significant occasion for her.
Inside Campitelli’s Tahoe, detectives uncovered blood evidence that suggested violence had occurred within the vehicle. Blood was found throughout the interior, and details about the vehicle’s cargo area indicated a planned meeting, with birthday decorations and medical sheets included in the arrangement. The condition of her heels also suggested she had been dragged after death, raising further alarm about the circumstances surrounding her demise.
Perez initially acknowledged the affair but denied being at the scene on that night, claiming he had canceled their plans due to his son’s illness. However, investigators found no evidence to support his assertion. Surveillance footage revealed discrepancies in his account, showing him leaving work earlier in the evening, while Campitelli’s vehicle was captured arriving at a nearby medical facility shortly after.
Efforts to track Perez’s communication with Campitelli met with challenges, as detectives could not retrieve information from a second phone he allegedly used, leading them to suspect those messages had been deleted. Additionally, surveillance cameras tracked him purchasing a replacement phone shortly after claiming his primary device was lost, further complicating his story.
While authorities have yet to publicly identify a motive for the alleged crime, the evidence points to a violent confrontation that took place as part of a planned rendezvous. The investigation, which spanned 17 months, has reinvigorated conversations about the hidden lives of those who may appear to have stable personal lives while engaging in secret relationships.
Linda Campitelli is remembered as a dedicated mother, compassionate nurse, and supportive friend. Her workplace spoke highly of her commitment to caring for patients, and friends detailed her as an integral part of their lives. She leaves behind two daughters and a legacy of kindness, sharply contrasting the details emerging from the investigation into her tragic death.
Perez, currently held without bond, is set to appear in court on April 9. As the case moves forward, prosecutors are preparing to present the evidence collected during the extensive probe into Campitelli’s untimely demise.