‘Potential serial killer’ arrested after 2 women found dead in Florida: sheriff

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida deputies said they arrested a potential “serial killer” on Friday after two women were found strangled to death in Orange County.

Carlos Yadiel Baez-Nieves, 25, was arrested for the deaths of Fatia Flowers, 41, and Nichole Daniels, 44, whose bodies were found in March and April, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.

Houston Texans’ wide receiver Tank Dell among 10 injured in shooting at Florida bar

“I’m confident that through their vigilance in these cases, our detectives have prevented Baez-Nieves from becoming a prolific serial killer,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said. “Baez-Nieves clearly targeted women he thought wouldn’t be missed.”

Mina said Flowers and Daniels were transients, and the 25-year-old allegedly offered them money for sex before strangling them and pushing their bodies out of his truck, leaving them near an intersection.

“He murdered them, and dumped them on the side of the road like trash. But our detectives knew that Fatia and Nichole’s lives were meaningful—and that they are worthy of justice,” Mina said.

Mother of dead baby found in University of Tampa garbage bin located, police say

Orange County deputies tracked down Baez-Nieves after he tried to sell a white Ford F-150 pickup truck –– the same vehicle Daniels was seen getting into at a gas station shortly before she was found dead.

Officials said Baez-Nieves confessed to the murders during an interview with deputies. He is currently being held in the Orange County Jail on two counts of first-degree murder.

This is a developing story. Stay up to date on the latest from News Channel 8 on-air and on the go with the free WFLA News Channel 8 mobile app.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.