Husband charged with wife's murder in 2024 missing-person case

Date Added: October 27, 2026 10:13 am

The 2024 missing person case of Maria Gaminde has finally been closed with the arrest of her husband, Epifanio IX Ramos Gaminde, for her murder.

Gaminde was taken into custody Monday in DeBary after an extensive investigation led to a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder.

Maria's family reported her missing after having no confirmed contact with her since January 2024. Her husband claimed Maria left their DeBary home voluntarily and was living overseas. However, suspicions grew as text messages and other communications from Maria did not appear authentic.

The investigation expanded to include coordination with federal agencies and foreign partners in Japan and the Philippines. Members of VSO and the State Attorney's Office traveled to the Philippines to collect evidence and conduct interviews. Detectives uncovered evidence indicating an effort to create the false appearance that Maria was alive and well, avoiding contact with family, friends, and law enforcement. Her body has not been recovered as of this writing.

Epifanio Gaminde is currently in custody with no bond at the Volusia County Branch Jail on his charge of first-degree murder. He is also being held on an immigration detainer from ICE. More information on this case will be provided in a future update.