Bail Hearing Set for Suspect in Avila Double Homicide

Whether Julian Ospina-Florez stays in jail without bail pending a trial is up to a judge, according to court records.

While it was expected that Judge Walter Heinrich would deny Ospina-Florez's bail on Wednesday, a bail hearing was scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday.

Ospina-Florez of Carrollwood was charged with two counts of first degree murder in the Monday evening slayings of Avila subdivision residents Dr. Hector Rivera, 76, and his wife Debra Rivera, 55. Ospina-Florez, 31, was Debra Rivera's driver and assistant.

The motive remains unclear in the shootings, but authorities say that friction had been evident between Ospina-Florez and Debra Rivera, who ran a business that sold high-end costume jewelry and was known for her community activism and impressive parties.

"She had suspected him of stealing from her," said Debbie Carter, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, adding that authorities are contining to process evidence from the scene at 814 Taray De Avila.

Things began to unfold behind the gates of the exclusive subdivision on Monday, according to Sheriff David Gee, who

Ospina-Florez, who was hired a year ago to work for Debra Rivera, according to a story in the Tampa Bay Times, had taken her to the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota to get merchandise for her business, Distinctive Creations.

When they got back to the home in Avila, Ospina-Florez attacked Debra Rivera and fatally shot her, Gee said. Sometime after she was killed, Hector Rivera arrived at home after being out watching a National Championship football game, and was attacked and killed by Opsina-Florez, Gee said.

The sheriff’s office received several calls reporting gunshots in the subdivision just before 8 p.m. on Monday.

Hector Rivera, who retired from his practice in Town 'N Country, was found in the front yard, according to Carter. Debra Rivera was found inside the home in the bathroom, Carter said.

Ospina-Florez was also at the home, Gee said, and made a 911 call to the sheriff's office. He represented himself as a victim in the case, Gee added.

Gee said a receipt for a Dec. 7 ammunition purchase from Walmart was found. The box of ammunition was the same brand and caliber found inside of Ospina-Florez's car, Gee said.

Check Carrollwood Patch for updates after Friday's bail hearing.