After nearly four decades on the run, Donald Santini, 65, has been apprehended in San Diego, California, for the 1984 murder of Cynthia Wood in Florida. Santini was extradited back to Florida and booked into the Orient Road Jail on Wednesday.
Wood, 33 at the time of her death, was going through a divorce when she was last seen alive with Santini. Her body was later discovered strangled in a canal. Santini immediately became a suspect and fled the state, initiating a 39-year manhunt.
Donald Santini upon arrival at Orient Road Jail. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
Despite appearing on "America's Most Wanted" multiple times (1990, 2005, and 2013), Santini successfully evaded authorities. The investigation spanned across multiple states, including Texas and California, and even extended internationally to Thailand. During his time as a military serviceman stationed in Germany, Santini served time in prison for rape. He was also wanted in Texas for aggravated robbery.
Cynthia Ruth Wood (left) and Donald Michael Santini (right). (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Cynthia Ruth Wood and Donald Michael Santini. (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed relief at the arrest, stating that it brings closure to a long-standing cold case and delivers justice for Cynthia Wood and her family. He commended the dedicated efforts and resources invested in the case over the years.
