The Tragic Story Of Hiojaira Velez Bonilla: 5 Shocking Details Of The Riverview Homicide Case

The name Hiojaira Velez Bonilla, known affectionately as "Joy" to her friends and family, became tragically synonymous with one of the most disturbing and high-profile criminal cases to emerge from Riverview, Florida, in late 2023. This article, updated in December 2025, details the life of Hiojaira, the shocking circumstances of her death, and the subsequent legal fallout involving her alleged killer and a family member.

The case is not just a straightforward account of a violent crime; it involves a complex web of betrayal, manipulation, and bizarre, humiliating acts allegedly perpetrated by the killer, Arnaldo Cintron, against the victim’s boyfriend, Elga Davis II. The details surrounding the disposal of her body and the involvement of her own cousin, Giselle Santiago Bonilla, have shaken the local community and garnered national media attention, underscoring the deep tragedy and the ongoing quest for justice for Hiojaira Velez Bonilla.

Hiojaira Velez Bonilla: A Brief Profile and Biography

Hiojaira Velez Bonilla was a 42-year-old resident of Riverview, Florida, at the time of her death. While her life was tragically cut short, she was remembered by those who knew her as a loving mother and a vibrant member of her community. The public information available about Hiojaira is largely framed by the events of her passing, but a few key biographical details have emerged through family statements and court records:

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• Full Name: Hiojaira Velez Bonilla
• Nickname: Joy
• Age: 42 (at the time of her death)
• Residence: Riverview, Florida
• Family Status: Mother of two sons
• Relationship: She was in a relationship with Elga Davis II, who later became a key witness in the murder case.
• Family Member Involved: Giselle Santiago Bonilla, her cousin, was later arrested in connection with the disposal of her body.
• Community Impact: A GoFundMe campaign, titled "A Mother Lost, Two Sons Left Behind #JusticeForJoy," was established by a family member, Dadiva Velez, to help with funeral costs and support her children.

The sudden and violent loss of Hiojaira Velez Bonilla left a void in her family, particularly for her two sons, whose future became the focus of the community's support efforts following the tragedy. The nickname "Joy" reflects the positive spirit she brought to the lives of her loved ones, a memory that stands in stark contrast to the horrific crime that took her life.

The Fatal Confrontation and Disturbing Aftermath

The tragic events unfolded in August 2023 at Hiojaira Velez Bonilla's home in Riverview. Court documents released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) detailed a chilling sequence of events that began with an argument and escalated into a fatal stabbing.

The altercation was allegedly between Hiojaira and Arnaldo Cintron, 42, who was the new boyfriend of her cousin, Giselle Santiago Bonilla. Cintron is accused of fatally stabbing Hiojaira, an act that was reportedly witnessed by her boyfriend, Elga Davis II.

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What followed the murder was a series of bizarre and deeply disturbing acts that captured national attention. According to the testimony of Elga Davis II, the alleged killer, Arnaldo Cintron, engaged in post-mortem humiliation of both the victim and her boyfriend.

The key, shocking details that defined the macabre nature of the crime include:

• The Forced Clothing Swap: Cintron allegedly wore Hiojaira Velez Bonilla's wig while forcing her boyfriend, Elga Davis II, to wear her clothes. This act of psychological torture was a crucial element of the testimony provided by Davis.
• Cousin's Involvement: Hiojaira's own cousin, Giselle Santiago Bonilla, 37, was allegedly present and actively assisted Cintron in the subsequent cover-up.
• Body Disposal: After the murder, Cintron and Giselle Santiago Bonilla allegedly forced Elga Davis II to help them dispose of Hiojaira's body. Her remains were later found near the Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The testimony from Elga Davis II, who was allegedly held against his will and forced to participate in the gruesome cover-up, provided investigators with the critical details needed to charge the two suspects.

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The Legal Proceedings and Search for Justice

Following the discovery of Hiojaira Velez Bonilla's body and the testimony from her boyfriend, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office swiftly moved to arrest the two primary suspects. The arrests of Arnaldo Cintron and Giselle Santiago Bonilla marked the beginning of a complex legal battle that continues to unfold in the Florida court system.

Arnaldo Cintron: Charges and Status

Arnaldo Cintron, a 42-year-old man from Riverview, was identified as the alleged primary aggressor. He was charged with first-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of Hiojaira Velez Bonilla. His case is highly scrutinized due to the particularly cruel and unusual nature of the alleged acts, including the psychological torment of the victim's boyfriend. The prosecution is using the graphic testimony of Elga Davis II to build a strong case against Cintron, whose pretrial detention hearing provided the public with the first shocking details of the crime.

Giselle Santiago Bonilla: Accomplice Charges

Giselle Santiago Bonilla, Hiojaira's 37-year-old cousin, faces charges related to her alleged role in the cover-up. She is accused of assisting Cintron in disposing of her cousin's body, a charge that highlights the profound sense of betrayal felt by Hiojaira's immediate family. While not the alleged killer, her involvement in the gruesome aftermath is a significant component of the overall case.

The ongoing court proceedings are a focal point for the community, which has rallied around the hashtag #JusticeForJoy. The family and supporters of Hiojaira Velez Bonilla are closely monitoring the legal process, seeking the maximum penalty for those responsible for her death and the subsequent desecration of her memory. The resolution of this case is vital for providing closure to her two sons and the wider family.

The Enduring Impact on the Community and Family

The tragedy of Hiojaira Velez Bonilla has resonated far beyond the borders of Riverview, Florida. The details of the case served as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences of personal betrayal. The involvement of a family member, Giselle Santiago Bonilla, in the cover-up added a layer of profound grief and complexity to an already horrifying situation.

The community's response has been one of deep sympathy and a strong call for accountability. The GoFundMe campaign created by Dadiva Velez was a tangible expression of this support, aiming to secure the financial future of Hiojaira's two young sons. The narrative of "Joy" Velez Bonilla has become a solemn plea for "Justice for Joy," a movement to ensure that the accused are held fully responsible for their actions. As the legal process continues in late 2025, the community remains focused on supporting Hiojaira's children and ensuring her memory is honored with a just outcome in the courts.