The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has apprehended a Cuban national who stabbed another Cuban and left his body in a ditch in Tampa, Florida, authorities reported. Dayhan Ruenes Vinet, 32, was arrested on June 14, ten days after killing Yalexander Jiménez Felipe, 47, whose body was found in a ditch near East Tampa, according to a statement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO).
At 6:34 a.m. on June 4, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a body in a ditch near the intersection of East Chelsea Street and Racheal Falls Drive. Upon arrival at approximately 6:45 a.m., they found Jiménez with trauma to the upper body. He was declared dead at the scene.
Detectives conducted a thorough investigation leading to Ruenes' arrest on June 14. Ruenes faces charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, trafficking stolen property, and providing false information on a pawn shop form, the Sheriff's Office stated.
Jiménez, originally from Guayos in the municipality of Caibaguán, Sancti Spíritus, was the father of a teenage girl, according to social media sources. The HCSO did not disclose further details about his murder, but the Tampa Bay Times cited additional specifics from a pretrial detention motion filed by prosecutors on Monday.
Details of the Crime
According to the document, Jiménez suffered "multiple stab wounds to the upper body" and was found dead in a ditch in the northern part of Chelsea Street. His car, a 2014 Buick Verano, was located nearby with the hood open, but his cell phone was missing from the scene. Police found blood inside and outside the vehicle, on the driver's side.
Upon reviewing Jiménez's WhatsApp messages on June 11, investigators found that the victim and his attacker had communicated several times in the days leading up to the crime. Ruenes had reportedly asked Jiménez to meet him and wear his jewelry.
Prosecutors noted that after the murder, "the victim's phone was taken (turned off at 10:30 p.m.), along with his vehicle keys and jewelry," including a chain, bracelet, and gold rings. Ruenes' car, a 2013 Nissan Altima, was captured by surveillance cameras leaving Chelsea Street at 10:31 p.m. and returning to his apartment complex shortly after 11 p.m.
The prosecution's motion noted that a subsequent search of Ruenes' vehicle revealed blood in the trunk, on a set of jumper cables in the trunk, on the front passenger seat, under the hood, and on the hood latch support.
On the afternoon of June 8, Ruenes pawned three gold rings at Ultra Jewelry, located at 3326 W. Columbus Drive in Tampa, prosecutors said. Investigators found that the original pawn ticket bore Ruenes' fingerprint, and a family member of Jiménez confirmed that the rings belonged to the deceased.
Ruenes is currently held at Falkenburg Road Jail without bail.
"I hope this arrest can help the victim's family begin their healing process. As your sheriff, I can assure you that our detectives never rest until justice is served. Their relentless dedication to each case ensures that crimes of this magnitude have no place in our community," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tampa Ditch Murder Case
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the tragic murder case in Tampa involving Dayhan Ruenes Vinet and Yalexander Jiménez Felipe.
What charges is Dayhan Ruenes Vinet facing?
Dayhan Ruenes Vinet is facing charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, trafficking stolen property, and providing false information on a pawn shop form.
How was Yalexander Jiménez Felipe found?
Yalexander Jiménez Felipe was found in a ditch near East Tampa with trauma to his upper body. He was discovered after a 911 call reported a body in the area.
What evidence linked Ruenes to Jiménez's murder?
Evidence linking Ruenes to the murder included WhatsApp messages between the two, surveillance footage, and blood found in Ruenes' car. Additionally, Ruenes pawned jewelry belonging to Jiménez, and the pawn ticket bore his fingerprint.