DeBary Man Faces Murder Charge in Wife's 2024 Vanishing

Epifanio IX Ramos Gaminde has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the 2024 disappearance of his wife, Maria Gaminde. Prosecutors allege the DeBary resident went to extensive lengths to fabricate evidence that Maria was alive and living overseas. The couple has three young sons, and Maria's family has not had confirmed contact with her since early 2024.

The case began when Maria's relatives reported her missing in January 2024 after losing contact. By July of that year, family members told investigators that digital communications and credit card activity supposedly originating from Maria abroad did not match her behavior. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood stated that the family told authorities that something was not right. Gaminde initially told detectives that marital problems had caused his wife to leave for the Philippines or Japan.

Investigators reviewed digital and forensic evidence and interviewed neighbors. They also learned that Gaminde had two prior arrests for domestic violence. The FBI assisted local authorities in navigating international legal issues. A detective and a prosecutor traveled to the Philippines to interview Gaminde's niece. Chitwood said the niece confirmed that Gaminde had emailed her Maria's important documents, including her driver's license and credit cards, with instructions on how to handle them. Investigators believe this was done to make it appear that Maria was alive and avoiding family and law enforcement.

Authorities traced Maria's last known activity to December 2023. Fingerprint records confirm she and her children visited Magic Kingdom at Disney World on Dec. 16, 2023. Four days later, Gaminde allegedly texted his wife asking for her location. Communications from Maria ceased, and messages purportedly from her began arriving from overseas. Chitwood said investigators found no financial trail to support the claim that she was still alive.

On Tuesday, investigators searched the couple's property in DeBary. A neighbor had reported seeing Gaminde doing extensive work behind the home around the time Maria vanished. Searchers focused on an area behind the house where concrete appeared to have been added. Chitwood cautioned that it was unclear whether the search would locate Maria's remains. He stated that the team may or may not find what they are looking for.

Gaminde was already in custody after being stopped for driving without a license when the grand jury returned the indictment. He is held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail. He also faces an immigration detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Chitwood said Gaminde has been interviewed repeatedly and that authorities do not believe his accounts. The sheriff described every interview the suspect has given as a lie.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza for Florida's 7th Judicial Circuit said the outcome of the search will not change the prosecution plan. He stated that the state is fully prepared to move forward without the body. Gaminde and Maria came to the United States together around 2008. Their three sons were with their father when he was taken into custody. The boys have since been reunited with Maria's family. Chitwood noted that the children had been denied contact with their mother's side of the family during the investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing. The grand jury indictment allows prosecutors to proceed with the case in the Volusia County courts. Gaminde will remain in custody unless the judge sets bond conditions. The next step in the legal process is the arraignment, where Gaminde will formally answer the charges.