Florida police say a man detained for the savage killings of two women could potentially be a serial killer.
During a press briefing Monday, Orange County Sheriff John Mina said police arrested 24-year-old Carlos Yadiel Baez-Nieves in connection with the homicides of Fatia Flowers, 41, and Nichole Daniels, 44.
Mina said Flowers’ remains were uncovered on March 14, while Daniels’ body was located near the same area in East Orange County on April 17.
. @SheriffMina updates the community on the murders of two women in East Orange County, and how our homicide detectives’ vigilance may have stopped a potential serial killer.
Carlos Yadiel Baez-Nieves targeted the most vulnerable women he could – transient women who traded sex… pic.twitter.com/8HZ7Z8HlCO— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) April 29, 2024
ABC 6 South Florida reports that investigators discovered video surveillance footage capturing Daniels entering a “distinctive pickup truck” truck at a 7-Eleven convenience store before her death.
Mina said the truck belonged to Baez-Nieves, who was attempting to sell it at the time of his arrest.
According to Mina, Baez-Nieves targeted transient sex workers. He allegedly strangled them following sexual encounters and then disposed of their bodies by pushing them out of his truck.
Mina said the defendant has confessed to killing both victims.
On two occasions about a month apart, Baez-Nieves picked up Fatia Flowers, 41, and Nichole Daniels, 44. He had sex with them and strangled them to death.
Then he drove to an intersection, pushed their lifeless bodies out of his truck, and drove home. pic.twitter.com/mR23LPPA3J— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) April 29, 2024
“I’m very confident because of our detectives’ relentless efforts in this case that they stopped Baez-Nieves from becoming a prolific serial killer,” Mina said. “He targeted women who he clearly thought would not be missed. He murdered them and dumped their bodies on the side of the road like they were trash.”
Baez-Nieves remains behind bars without bail. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo via Orange County SO]
