ORLANDO, Fla.,None — A man, who police said admitted to killing his fiancé with a exercise weight, was expected to attend an emergency custody hearing on Monday morning. However, 41-year-old Nestor Habarugira, did not attend. Officers said he was on suicide watch at the Orange County jail, but has been since taken off of it.
Four kids were living with the victim at the time of the murder. Police said they are with a family member and working with a victim's advocate. Two of the children are his and the other two are his stepchildren. DCF is trying to find the mother of one of his children, and the father of two of the victim's children, who are believed to be in Africa.
Orlando police said they responded to a domestic violence call just before 2:30am Sunday at the Island Club Apartments on South Kirkman Road. Investigators said they found 34-year-old Ruth Owino dead inside the apartment when they arrived.
Habarugira told police he was responsible for her death. Habarugira was detained for questioning and arrested.
Investigators said they believe the incident started when Owino told her fiance she no longer wanted to be engaged. An argument ensued between the couple and Habarugira claims Owino threw a hand weight at him, but he wasn't hit. Habarugira then allegedly picked up the hand weight and struck Owino in the head with it, causing severe injuries, according to a police report.
WFTV talked to a neighbor who said she never heard the couple fight.
"I am still trying to wrap my mind around that ... I just can't believe it," said neighbor Pam Pelletier.
Habarugira was booked into the Orange County jail Sunday morning. He did not have anything to say to WFTV as he was escorted out of Orlando police headquarters.
Police said the couple have no apparent history of domestic violence.
Habarugira is now expected to attend a scheduled custody hearing for his two children on Tuesday.