Florida Man Indicted for Murder After Allegedly Faking Wife's Overseas Life
Epifanio Gaminde is accused of killing his wife, Maria, and sending her personal documents abroad to mislead investigators and her family.
A Florida man has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the disappearance of his wife, Maria Gaminde, who has not been seen since January 2024. Authorities allege Epifanio IX Ramos Gaminde attempted to create the illusion that his wife was alive and living overseas by sending her identification and credit cards to a relative in the Philippines.
Maria's family reported her missing in January after losing contact with her. By July, they grew suspicious of text messages, emails, and credit card activity that appeared to originate from Maria abroad. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated that the family contacted investigators with concerns that "something's not right."
Gaminde told investigators that he and his wife were experiencing marital problems and claimed she had left for either the Philippines or Japan. However, detectives uncovered evidence, including digital and forensic data, that led them to focus on Gaminde. The investigation also revealed that he had two prior domestic violence arrests.
The investigation expanded internationally, with the FBI assisting Volusia County authorities. A detective and prosecutor traveled to the Philippines to interview Gaminde's niece, who reportedly received the documents from Gaminde. The sheriff described the niece as cooperating, stating, "She gives up everything. She even gives us more information that the FBI has to work with international partners to recover digital evidence from when it occurred."
Authorities believe Gaminde emailed his niece Maria's driver's license and credit cards, instructing her on how to use them. This activity, along with subsequent credit card usage, was allegedly intended to make it appear that Maria was alive and deliberately avoiding contact with her family, friends, and law enforcement.
Investigators traced Maria's last confirmed activity to December 2023. Fingerprint records confirmed that Maria and her children visited Disney World's Magic Kingdom on December 16. Four days later, Gaminde allegedly texted his wife asking for her whereabouts. Communication from Maria ceased, and then messages purportedly from her began originating from overseas.
Despite the ongoing communications and apparent financial activity, investigators found no evidence that Maria was still alive. "There's no financial trail. There's nothing that would indicate that Maria is alive," Chitwood said.
On Tuesday, investigators searched the couple's DeBary property, focusing on an area behind the home where new concrete appeared to have been poured. Chitwood cautioned that the search might not yield Maria's remains. However, State Attorney R.J. Larizza indicated that prosecutors are prepared to pursue the first-degree murder case even if the body is never recovered.
Gaminde was already in custody for allegedly driving without a license when the grand jury handed down the indictment. He is being held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail and faces an immigration detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gaminde and Maria Gaminde came to the U.S. in 2008 and have three young sons. The children were with their father when he was arrested and have since been reunited with Maria's family, according to the sheriff. Chitwood added that the children had previously been denied contact with their mother's side of the family.
"Every interview he has given us has just been a lie," Chitwood said regarding Gaminde's statements to investigators. The investigation remains ongoing.