After decades of eluding law enforcement, a man apprehended in California earlier this month has been brought back to Florida to answer for the 1984 murder of 33-year-old Cynthia Wood. Donald Santini, 65, was booked into a Hillsborough County jail on Wednesday, charged with first-degree murder. Following Santini's arrest in San Diego on June 7th, Florida detectives traveled to California to facilitate his extradition to Tampa.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed relief at the apprehension, stating that Santini's arrest provides a long-awaited resolution to this cold case and delivers justice for the victim and her family. He also acknowledged the persistent efforts and resources dedicated to pursuing justice for Cynthia Wood over the nearly four decades since her death.

Santini's flight from justice began in June 1984 when a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with Wood's strangulation. Wood's body was discovered in a ditch three days after she was reported missing. Santini, the last person seen with her, became the prime suspect. The arrest warrant indicated that the medical examiner determined strangulation as the cause of death, and Santini's fingerprints were found on Wood's body.

Despite appearing multiple times on the television program "America’s Most Wanted" in 1990, 2005, and 2013, Santini remained elusive. Law enforcement pursued leads in Texas, California, and even Thailand, but he successfully evaded capture by using at least 13 aliases. He was ultimately located in San Diego County, living under the name Wellman Simmonds, where he held the position of president of a local water board and actively participated in public board meetings.

In a handwritten letter sent from jail to ABC 10News, Santini claimed his ability to evade authorities for so long was due to his commitment to living a "loving respectful life." He described his involvement in community activities such as volunteering with the Rotary Club, owning a Thai restaurant, and managing an apartment complex. Official records, however, indicate Santini had a prior conviction for rape while stationed in Germany and was also wanted in Texas for aggravated robbery. He is currently being represented by the public defender’s office.