Florida Nurse Charged with Murdering Married Ex-Coworker He Was Having Affair With

Rene Perez allegedly lured Linda Campitelli to a birthday rendezvous before brutally beating her to death in 2024

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:35am

A 38-year-old Florida nurse named Rene Perez has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence for the brutal 2024 killing of his married ex-coworker and lover, Linda Campitelli. Authorities say Perez lured Campitelli to a secret birthday rendezvous where he allegedly pummeled her to death, leaving her mangled body 50 feet from her car.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can result from extramarital affairs, domestic violence, and the abuse of trust between coworkers. It also raises questions about workplace policies, mental health support, and domestic violence prevention measures that could help identify and address such situations before they escalate to violence.

The details

According to court records, Perez and Campitelli had been having an affair for about two years after meeting at the Wellington Regional Medical Center where they both worked. On the night of the murder, Campitelli left her home telling her husband she was dining with friends, but her car was later found at the Retina Group of Florida Building where Perez previously worked. Campitelli's body was discovered 50 feet from the car, having suffered severe blunt force trauma to her head and torso. Evidence suggests she may have been dragged, and Perez was later seen on surveillance footage discarding something at his workplace.

  • On October 28, 2024, Perez and Campitelli planned to meet up to celebrate her birthday.
  • Around 10:20 PM on October 28, 2024, Campitelli's body was discovered by police.

The players

Rene Perez

A 38-year-old Florida nurse who has been charged with first-degree murder, deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence for the 2024 killing of his married ex-coworker and lover, Linda Campitelli.

Linda Campitelli

A married mother who worked with Rene Perez at the Wellington Regional Medical Center and was having an affair with him for about two years before he allegedly murdered her in 2024.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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”

— Linda Campitelli

“LOL, IT'S NO BIG DEAL. JUST TRYING TO SHOW U THAT I CAN BE ROMANTIC. IT PROBABLY WONT BE AS GOOD AS WHAT YOUVE DONE FOR ME”

— Rene Perez

What’s next

Perez is being held without bond and will face trial for the first-degree murder charges.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stronger workplace policies, mental health resources, and domestic violence prevention measures to identify and address dangerous situations before they escalate to violence, especially when they involve coworkers or intimate partners.