Epifanio Gaminde Charged With Wife's Murder After Fake Texts Uncovered

Epifanio IX Ramos Gaminde faces a first-degree murder charge for the 2024 disappearance of his wife, Maria Gaminde. The indictment centers on the man's efforts to disguise her death by sending communications that suggested she was alive and living in a foreign country. Maria has not been seen by family since January 2024, and her body has not yet been located.

Investigators searched the couple's property in DeBary on Tuesday. A neighbor reported seeing Gaminde performing extensive work behind the house around the time his wife vanished. Searchers examined an area where concrete appeared to have been added. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood acknowledged the uncertainty of the search, noting that finding remains is possible but not guaranteed.

Relatives reported Maria missing after losing contact in early 2024. By July, family members told detectives that digital activity attributed to Maria overseas did not match expectations. Chitwood stated that the family indicated something was wrong with the texts and credit card spending. Gaminde told investigators he had marital issues and claimed his wife had moved to either the Philippines or Japan.

The case involved international coordination, with the FBI assisting local prosecutors. A detective and a prosecutor traveled to the Philippines to interview Gaminde's niece. The sheriff said the niece provided all her records, including Maria's driver's license and credit cards. Investigators believe Gaminde used these items to create the impression that Maria was actively avoiding her family and law enforcement from abroad.

Police traced Maria's final confirmed activity to December 2023. Fingerprints confirmed she visited Magic Kingdom with her children on December 16. Four days later, Gaminde texted her asking for her location. Communications from Maria stopped, and messages from overseas began arriving. Chitwood said there is no financial trail indicating she is alive.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza said the prosecution will proceed regardless of whether the body is found. He expressed confidence in the state's ability to build its case without the remains. Gaminde is held without bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail. He was initially detained for driving without a license and also faces an immigration detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The couple moved to the United States around 2008 and have three young sons. The boys were with their father when he was taken into custody. They have since been reunited with Maria's family. Chitwood noted that the children had been denied contact with their mother's relatives. Gaminde has been interviewed multiple times, and the sheriff said authorities do not believe his accounts.