Man charged with 1st-degree murder after woman found dismembered in Lake Underhill

ORLANDO, Fla. — A man arrested in connection with the death of a woman found dismembered in Lake Underhill was charged with first-degree murder Tuesday, Orlando police said.

Rafael Gonzalez, 46, was arrested Monday 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.

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

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

Investigators searched a home on the 500 block of Dorado Avenue, close to the lake.

On the same day Gonzalez and Diggs met, she went to his 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. Authorities said that 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.

Gonzalez was also in jail for five months last year on stalking charges.

Cox Media Group