Man's arrest connected to discovery of woman's dismembered body in Lake Underhill, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police have  made an arrest in connection with the death of a woman found dismembered in Lake Underhill.

Rafael Gonzalez, 46, was arrested on charges of destruction of evidence after the victim’s blood was found in his bedroom, investigators said.

Olivia Diggs’ mutilated body was found in Lake Underhill on Aug. 22.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife officer found her arm without fingertips.

Police said Gonzalez and Diggs met on a Lynx bus and exchanged phone numbers.

An arrest report said Gonzalez bought trash bags, mops and paint to cover up evidence inside his home.

"We want the community to know we're not looking for anyone else in this case," said Orlando Police Chief John Mina during a Monday afternoon press conference.

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Since Friday, investigators had been searching a home in the 500 block of Dorado Avenue, close to the lake.

“They took the bathtub out of the house, the washer and dryer was brought out of the house, everything,” said Susan Friel, who lives in the neighborhood.

Police announced Monday that phone records led them to the home.

On the same day Gonzalez and Diggs met she went to the man's home, investigators said.

A roommate told police that two hours after Diggs arrived at the home, he overheard a fight and Gonzalez punched her in the face twice.

Gonzalez allegedly told his roommate not to say anything to police.

The arrest report said Gonzalez served a 10-year prison sentence on charges of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit robbery in Brooklyn, New York.

Investigators said he was part of a crime ring where he would kidnap small business owners and torture them until they gave up their valuables.

On two occasions, he told an owner he would, “cut off their legs and throw them into the boiler room.”

He transferred his probation to Orlando.

Police said they expect him to eventually be charged with murder.

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Cox Media Group