Carlos Yadiel Baez-Nieves, 25, has been arrested in connection with the murders of Fatia Flowers, 41, and Nichole Daniels, 44, whose bodies were discovered in March and April. The Orange County Sheriff's Office believes Baez-Nieves may be a serial killer, targeting vulnerable transient women.
Carlos Yadiel Baez-Nieves, 25, has been arrested in Florida after two women were discovered strangled to death. The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest on Monday, stating that Baez-Nieves confessed to the murders of Fatia Flowers, 41, and Nichole Daniels, 44.
Deputies said that Baez-Nieves was pulled over during a traffic stop for driving with a suspended license on Friday. During an interview with detectives, he reportedly confessed to both murders, admitting to targeting the most vulnerable women he could – transient women who traded sex for money.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina praised the detectives' relentless efforts in the case, stating that they prevented Baez-Nieves from becoming a prolific serial killer. Baez-Nieves has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held without bond in the Orange County Jail.
According to Sheriff Mina, the discovery of both women's bodies in the same location triggered an investigation that revealed other similarities. Both victims were transient in the East Orlando area, had a history of narcotics usage, and were found nude or nearly nude.
Officials believe that Baez-Nieves picked up both Flowers and Daniels on separate occasions about a month apart, had sex with them, and then strangled them to death. He then drove to an intersection, pushed their lifeless bodies out of his truck, and drove home.
Authorities are working to determine if Baez-Nieves was involved in any other incidents elsewhere in the country. Sheriff Mina emphasized the possibility of other victims, given Baez-Nieves' alleged modus operandi.
"He killed two women in a month's time, so to me, that is the definition of a serial killer," Sheriff Mina said. "But I think this is a person who is clearly capable of doing this, and may have done it in the past, and the fact that he targeted women that he thought would not be missed leads you to believe as well that he is a killer and probably would have killed again."
The arrest of Baez-Nieves has brought relief to the community, which had been on edge following the discovery of the two women's bodies. Sheriff Mina praised the detectives for their dedication and hard work in bringing a dangerous individual to justice.
