David Knezevich, the South Florida businessman accused of involvement in the February disappearance of his estranged wife, Ana Maria Henao, in Spain, now faces charges of murder. On Wednesday, a federal grand jury in Miami indicted Knezevich, 36, on multiple charges, including kidnapping resulting in death, foreign domestic violence resulting in death, and foreign murder of a U.S. national.
Ana Maria Henao, 40, was reported missing in Madrid earlier this year. Despite extensive searches by Spanish authorities, Henao’s body has yet to be found. The indictment alleges that Knezevich traveled to Spain with the intent to harm Henao, ultimately committing a violent crime against her that led to her death.
The charges state that Knezevich “willfully and unlawfully” seized and confined Henao, before killing her “with premeditation and malice aforethought.” This development follows Knezevich’s arrest in May at Miami International Airport in connection with Henao’s kidnapping.
Henao’s family expressed their heartbreak following the new charges. “This is a step toward mourning, but we continue to search for answers and advocate for justice,” said Diego Henao, Ana’s brother. Her mother, Aura Henao, added that the family is relying on the support of loved ones as they process the latest news.
Knezevich’s attorney, Jayne Weintraub, has called the charges a “desperate attempt” by the government to strengthen the case. “There is no evidence that David Knezevich kidnapped or murdered his wife,” she said, adding that Knezevich will plead not guilty at his upcoming arraignment.
However, the FBI has presented significant evidence linking Knezevich to Henao’s disappearance, including surveillance footage of him purchasing supplies used in the abduction. Additionally, Knezevich’s travels from Miami to Turkey and Serbia, before driving to Spain, are central to the investigation. Surveillance also captured Knezevich near Henao’s apartment on the night she vanished.
Knezevich faces the possibility of the death penalty if convicted on the new charges.
Source: Swifteradio.com
