Volusia County man charged with murder after wife’s 2024 disappearance

A man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Maria Gaminde, who has been missing since 2024, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.Maria was a teacher at University High School in Orange City. The couple has three children, all of whom are now living with Maria’s family.Epifanio Ramos Gaminde was taken into custody Monday following a lengthy investigation that included investigators traveling to the Philippines, Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced Tuesday.Investigators said Gaminde previously told authorities his wife had left the family and traveled to the Philippines. However, Maria’s family reported concerns about changes in her communication, prompting investigators to look further into her disappearance.According to Chitwood, investigators discovered that Gaminde’s niece in the Philippines had been pretending to be Maria to make it appear she was still alive.State Attorney R.J. Larizza said the niece is cooperating with investigator