patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Debra Rivera

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Prosecutors Seeking Death Penalty in Avila Double Shootings

Julian Ospina-Florez of Carrollwood is the suspect in the Jan. 9 killings of Hector and Debra Rivera of Avila

A few months after a well-known Avila couple were killed in their home, Hillsborough prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the man accused of slaying them, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Julian Ospina-Florez of Carrollwood was arrested in January for shooting Debra Rivera in her Avila home after Ospina-Florez - her driver and assistant - took her to a trade show in Sarasota. Her husband, Dr. Hector Rivera, was shot as he came home to 814 Tara De Avila. Authorities say Ospina-Florez may have killed the couple after Debra Rivera accused him of stealing thousands of dollars worth of items from the couple. Thousands attended a funeral mass for the couple, who were known for their generosity, community service and elegant parties. …

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Bail Hearing Set for Suspect in Avila Double Homicide

Julian Ospina-Florez, 31, was charged earlier this week in the killings of Debra and Hector Rivera.

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 …

Got a Hot Tip?
 
 

Videos