DEBARY, Fla. — A missing person case that began in January 2024 has led to a first-degree murder arrest, with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office announcing that Maria Gaminde’s husband has been taken into custody in connection with her death.
Epifanio IX Ramos Gaminde was arrested Monday in DeBary following an extensive investigation and a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
Maria’s family reported her missing after they had no confirmed contact with her since January 2024.
Investigators said her husband claimed she had voluntarily left their DeBary home and was living overseas.
However, suspicions grew when text messages and other communications purportedly from Maria raised concerns about whether they were authentic, according to investigators.
The investigation expanded to include coordination with federal agencies and international partners in Japan and the Philippines.
Members of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit traveled to the Philippines to gather evidence and conduct interviews.
Detectives uncovered evidence indicating an alleged effort to create the false impression that Maria was alive and well while avoiding contact with family members, friends and law enforcement, the sheriff’s office said.
Despite the arrest, Maria’s body has not been recovered, according to authorities.
Epifanio Gaminde remains in custody without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail on the first-degree murder charge.
He is also being held on an immigration detainer issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The sheriff’s office said additional information about the case will be released in a future update.
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