Man arrested in Miami accused of stabbing young mother to death

The authorities of Miami-Dade County confirmed the arrest of Joy Chandra Nath, 29 years old, accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend María Camila García Molina, a 24-year-old young mother whose body was found inside a car in the Hammocks area, in the southwest of the county.

The discovery was made last Saturday after a neighbor found the three-year-old daughter of the victim wandering alone in the parking lot of the Twin Lakes residential complex, with dry blood stains on her face and clothing. The alert mobilized the family, who immediately contacted the police. Upon arriving at the scene, the officers found García Molina's body in the back seat of her vehicle, covered with blankets. The young woman had multiple stab wounds to the neck, torso, and limbs.

During the investigation, the detectives established that the victim had spent the morning with her daughter and Joy Chandra Nath, with whom she had breakfast at a restaurant in Miami Lakes, according to the suspect's own statement. Later, Nath was seen returning to the crime scene with the vehicle lights turned off. Upon being detained, he claimed that he was carrying the victim's belongings, including her purse and cellphone, to return them. The officers noticed that he had scratches on his arms, face, and neck.

In addition to the charge of second-degree murder, Nath faces an accusation of child abuse without serious injury, due to the circumstances in which the minor was found.

According to Adalgisa Molina, the victim's mother, María Camila had requested a restraining order against Nath for harassment and threatening behavior. However, the authorities denied the request, stating that there was not "enough evidence" to grant it, as Adalgisa recounted in an interview with Univision.

The young woman had already reported that her ex-partner was following and harassing her. Witnesses recounted that days before the crime, Nath was involved in a verbal altercation with the victim and her new boyfriend at the Dolphin Mall.

At a crucial moment in the investigation, the victim's daughter told the agents that she had been with her mother and Nath. According to the testimony collected in the police report, the little girl said that her mom was "sleeping" because "she was hit on the head." That testimony was crucial in initiating the search that led to the discovery of the body, as detailed by Univision Miami.

Joy Chandra Nath remains detained without bail at the Metro West Correctional Center (MWDC). His initial court appearance took place on Monday, April 28.

María Camila's family has launched a campaign on GoFundMe to raise funds for funeral expenses and the care of her daughter. In the midst of their grief, they have requested privacy as they navigate this tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Murder Case in Miami-Dade