In a significant breakthrough, Donald Santini, a man who had been evading capture for almost 40 years, was finally arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The arrest comes in connection with the 1984 murder of Cynthia Wood, a 33-year-old woman from Florida who was found strangled and left in a canal.
Santini, now 65 years old, had managed to elude authorities by adopting 13 different aliases throughout the years. He had gained nationwide notoriety and attention, having been featured three times on the television show America’s Most Wanted. The extensive search for Santini led investigators to various locations, including Thailand, as they tirelessly pursued justice in the cold case.
Remarkably, Santini had been hiding in plain sight, living under his real name in San Diego while working as the president of a water board in Campo. Astonishingly, he even attended public board meetings, seemingly confident in his ability to remain undetected. However, law enforcement officials were finally able to apprehend him and bring him to justice.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement confirming Santini’s arrest and subsequent booking into Orient Road Jail on Wednesday morning. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his gratitude for the dedication and perseverance displayed by all those involved in the case.
He stated, “The arrest of Donald Santini brings closure to a long-standing cold case and provides justice for the victim and her family after nearly four decades of waiting,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Let’s not forget the tireless work that has gone into this case over the years, the resources, and expertise to pursue justice for Cynthia Wood.”
Authorities had identified Santini as the prime suspect in Cynthia Wood’s murder shortly after her death. The circumstances surrounding her murder and the fact that Santini was the last person believed to be with her made him the primary focus of the investigation. Furthermore, it was revealed that Santini had previously served time in prison for the rape of another woman, adding to the weight of the charges against him.
