Florida Nurse Killed After Chilling Final Text to Accused Lover

Rene J. Perez, 38, charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his married girlfriend, Lisa Campitelli, 35.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:22pm

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A Florida nurse named Lisa Campitelli, 35, was found beaten to death on an isolated roadside in West Palm Beach in October 2024, shortly after her birthday. Prosecutors allege that Campitelli's lover, Rene J. Perez, 38, arranged a birthday celebration for her and then killed her, despite Campitelli sending Perez a cryptic final text message expressing nervousness about their plans.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can result from extramarital affairs and domestic violence. It also raises questions about how well-known warning signs of danger, such as Campitelli's final text, are recognized and acted upon by authorities to prevent such violent crimes.

The details

According to the affidavit, Perez and Campitelli, who were both married to other people, had been having a two-year affair. Perez allegedly arranged a birthday celebration for Campitelli on October 28, 2024, prompting her to send him a WhatsApp message the day before expressing nervousness. Campitelli's battered body was later found on an isolated roadside, with signs of blunt force trauma to her skull, ribs, back, and neck. Perez claimed he had cancelled the plans, but investigators found no messages to that effect. Perez was arrested on March 10, 2026 and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

  • On October 27, 2024, Campitelli sent Perez a cryptic final text message expressing nervousness about their birthday plans.
  • On October 28, 2024, Campitelli's body was found on an isolated roadside in West Palm Beach, Florida.
  • On March 10, 2026, Perez was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.

The players

Lisa Campitelli

A 35-year-old Florida nurse who was in a two-year extramarital affair with Rene J. Perez before she was found beaten to death.

Rene J. Perez

A 38-year-old man who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his married girlfriend, Lisa Campitelli.

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What they’re saying

“I LOVE YOU, I FEEL KINDA WEIRD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT TOMORROW. YOU'VE NEVER DONE ANYTHING LIKE THIS FOR ME BEFORE AND I FEEL A LITTLE NERVOUS”

— Lisa Campitelli

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Rene J. Perez out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for greater awareness and action around the warning signs of domestic violence, even in the context of extramarital affairs. It underscores the importance of supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable to prevent such senseless acts of violence.