Florida Nurse Accused Of Killing Lover; In a shocking case from Palm Beach County, Florida, 38-year-old nurse Rene Perez has been arrested for the alleged murder of his mistress, 35-year-old Linda Campitelli, a fellow nurse at Delray Medical Center. Authorities say Perez beat Campitelli to death inside her Chevy Tahoe during what was intended to be a secret birthday celebration and then dragged her body along the road, causing severe injuries including worn-down heels.
Perez was taken into custody on March 10, 2026, and faces charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection to the October 28, 2024, death of Campitelli. Investigators report that the two nurses had been engaged in a secret affair for about two years, regularly communicating on WhatsApp and sharing personal messages despite both being married with children.
On the night of the incident, Perez and Campitelli planned a birthday meetup in the parking lot of Perez’s workplace. The SUV’s back seats were folded down and covered with hospital-style sheets and a “Happy Birthday” blanket, intended as a romantic surprise. Text messages from Campitelli show she was nervous, while Perez reassured her about the plan.
Authorities believe Perez attacked Campitelli with blunt force inside the Tahoe. Surveillance footage captured the SUV arriving and leaving around 10 p.m. Later, Perez allegedly transported the body to Lake Worth Beach, where he dragged it along the road, causing severe abrasions and grinding down her heels.
The Tahoe was recovered running with a flat tire and blood on the handle. An autopsy confirmed Campitelli died from head and torso injuries, including a cracked skull and broken ribs.
Perez told police he canceled the meetup due to his son being sick, but investigators found no text messages to support this claim. Video evidence also showed him disposing of items in a hospital trash bin later that night. Detectives combed through phone data, conducted interviews, and obtained warrants, ultimately connecting key cell phone evidence to the crime, according to the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
Campitelli’s mother, Edina Russo, described experiencing a mix of emotions but expressed some closure following the arrest. In her obituary, Linda Campitelli was remembered as a strong and kind mother who “loved hard” and left behind a legacy of laughter and love for her family.
The tragic death has sent shockwaves through both the Palm Beach County nursing community and the general public. Authorities continue to investigate the case to ensure justice is served. The case highlights issues of workplace relationships, trust, and personal safety, prompting conversations about mental health and security in professional environments.