On April 19, 2010, Ernesto M. Puentes, aged 45, was found dead in Miami, Florida, under suspicious circumstances. His body was discovered floating in Biscayne Bay beneath the William Powell Bridge along the Rickenbacker Causeway. The initial discovery was made by a passerby around 9:40 in the morning. Authorities ruled it a homicide but provided limited information about the exact cause of death.
Ernesto Puentes, who had a lengthy criminal record dating back more than a decade, was known for prior charges including robbery, kidnapping, and armed burglary, as well as possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Despite his troubled past, some accounts describe him as a loving father of two who had struggled to provide for his children under difficult circumstances, including a lack of family support and a challenging upbringing.
The discovery of Puentes' body was part of a series of floating corpses found in Miami that week, which created significant alarm. The Miami Police Department responded promptly, but so far, no specific suspects have been identified, and the investigation remains open. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information to contact the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers to assist in bringing the case to a resolution. This case highlights the ongoing challenges that Miami law enforcement faces in solving such homicides, especially when the victim had a complex personal history and associations that may have contributed to the circumstances of his death.
Puentes' life and death were marked by struggles, but those who knew him personally spoke of his dedication to his children and his efforts to provide for them despite significant hardships. His untimely death adds to the growing list of unsolved homicides that Miami authorities are working to address. The public's assistance in providing information remains crucial for solving this case.
