FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit (813) 557-3366 | [email protected]
TAMPA, FL (November 16, 2023) — The man who spent nearly four decades on the run for the 1984 murder of a Hillsborough County woman accepted responsibility for the crime in court today. Donald Santini was sentenced to 50 years in Florida State Prison followed by 15 years of probation as part of a plea deal with the State Attorney’s Office.
The 65-year-old was set to go on trial this month for the murder of a single mother whose body was found in a ditch in Riverview in June of 1984. He eluded capture by living under the name Wellman Simmonds in Texas and California, abandoning his old life and assuming a new identity. Santini was featured on America’s Most Wanted several times throughout his decades on the run but was only discovered by federal authorities this year when he applied for a passport and his fingerprints were found to be a match for the missing murder suspect.
“No family should have to spend decades waiting for justice to be served in the cruel murder of their loved one. This defendant not only stole an innocent life, but he also left a family without their mother, and without answers. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends as they close a painful chapter and move toward healing,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
· Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
· Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
· Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO
About the State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.