A man from Florida, accused of killing a married couple in front of their young child, has been arrested, providing a significant breakthrough in a case that has disturbed the victims’ family for over three decades.
William Antonio Solis, 62, was taken into custody by federal agents in Tampa on Wednesday, according to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
“This Bronx serial killer case has haunted his family and the people of New York for more than 30 years,” stated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.
Solis, who also went by “La Vega” and “Vegano,” faces charges of intentional homicide in connection with a drug-related conspiracy involving the murders of Luis Guerrero and his wife, Danis Sime, in New York City. The incident occurred on July 21, 1993, when authorities claim that Solis and two accomplices intended to rob Guerrero, a drug supplier, at his Bronx apartment.
After gaining entry, Solis and his accomplices allegedly restrained Guerrero, took drugs from the apartment, and then brought Sime there, where they also detained her, according to prosecutors. Eventually, Solis is accused of shooting and killing both Guerrero and Sime in front of their three-year-old child.
Remarkably, the couple’s young son recounted to police how a man had aimed a gun at his mother, covered her head with a pillowcase, and “took him away.” A neighbor later discovered the boy crying outside the apartment, calling for his parents. The neighbor shared how the child screamed for his father, expressing fear and confusion.
Initially, police were looking into Guerrero’s potential involvement in drug activities, while neighbors described the couple as “kind” and “quiet,” emphasizing they never caused trouble.
As for how Solis was eventually tracked down, authorities have not yet released that information.
If convicted, Solis could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI, remarked on how Solis managed to evade justice for decades, living a mere thousand miles away from where he committed his horrific act.
Alfonso also mentioned that the arrest represents years of detailed investigative work by specialized agents who remained committed to solving this case.
