Sheriff: Carrollwood Man Arrested in Avila Double Homicide

Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee tonight announced an arrest in the double homicide of a couple who lived in the gated north Tampa community of Avila.

Julian Ospina-Florez, 31, of 11718 Wesson Circle in Carrollwood, has been charged in the slayings of Dr. Hector Rivera, 76, and his wife Debra Rivera, 55. Authorities found a 9mm gun at the home at 814 Taray De Avila that they say Florez used to kill the couple on Monday. The gun was registered to Florez, Gee said.

"It was a very brutal killing," Gee said during a Jan. 10 press conference. "He definitely was making sure that nobody left that residence. That evidence will come out later in the grand jury proceeding ... his intent was to make sure nobody survived the attack.”

According to Gee, on Monday, Florez - a naturalized citizen from Colombia who was Debra Rivera's driver and assistant - took Debra Rivera to the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota to get merchandise for her business, Distinctive Creations. The business sells high-end costume jewelry, Gee said.

When they got back at the home in Avila, 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 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 Debbie Carter, spokeswoman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Debra Rivera was found inside the home in the bathroom, Carter said.

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. Florez's Carrollwood home was being searched this evening for evidence. Gee mentioned an arrest in Florez's past, but did not elaborate on the charge.

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 Florez's car, Gee said.

A burglary was reported at the Rivera's home on Jan. 2, according to the sheriff's office, but it is unknown if Florez is a suspect in that case.

While neighbors and friends reeled from the news of their deaths on Tuesday, teams searched the lake behind the Rivera's home, and looked inch-by-inch through the 11,000 square foot home.

Deputies reviewed security logs and knocked on doors, talking to neighbors to see if they'd seen or heard anything.

Meanwhile, those who knew the Rivera's said they were positive contributors to the community whose deaths come as a shock.

"They were just good people," said Carol Nieto, who knew the couple. "I just can't believe this."

Florez was charged with two counts of first degree murder with a firearm. He is expected to have a first court appearance Jan. 11.

Editor's note: This article was updated Jan. 11 at 7:56 a.m. to include information about the charges.