Family members of a missing man spoke out after his estranged wife was accused of his murder. NBC 6’s Kim Wynne reports
Days after the remains of a missing Tamarac man were discovered, his estranged wife and another man were charged in connection with his murder, authorities said Monday.
Trinity Bownes, 31, and Brandon Jenkins, 29, face charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of 28-year-old Gianni Coto, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
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"This isn’t the outcome that detectives wanted, but they have an answer for the family," said BSO spokesperson Miranda Grossman. "A difficult answer, but they were able to get them answers during this difficult time."
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Coto was last seen Jan. 21 near the 8900 block of Northwest 77th Court in Tamarac and was reported missing days later by a family member.
Investigators found on the day he went missing, Coto got into an argument with Bownes and her home and at some point was fatally stabbed, BSO said. Jenkins also became involved in the altercation. Further details were not available.
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"He had dinner with his father Saturday night, then told his father he was going to go home, now instead, he went to his wife’s house who he’s separated from," said Elianne Rojas, Coto's sister.
Rojas said when she called Bownes about Coto going missing, she was told she hadn't seen him.
"I just had this terrible feeling, and you know, she tells me 'no,'" Rojas said.
Coto's remains were buried off of State Road 60 in Indian River County. Detectives discovered his remains on Jan. 30.
Jenkins was taken into custody in Tennessee, and a day later, Bownes turned herself in to authorities in California, BSO said. They will be extradited to Broward County to face their charges.
Rojas said Coto confided in her that his relationship with Bownes became abusive.
"Stay away from her. She's dangerous," she said she told her brother shortly before he disappeared.
Coto was described as an "angel" and had dreams of going to medical school.
"We were close. We grew up together. He’s my little brother," Rojas said.
