Fugitive on the Run for Nearly 40 Years Caught in Florida
In a remarkable turn of events, a fugitive who had been evading capture for nearly four decades was finally apprehended in Florida. Donald Santini, now 65 years old, was arrested on March 10, 2025, in the small town of San Diego, Florida, by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Santini had been on the run since 1984, following his alleged involvement in the murder of Cynthia Ruth Wood in Hillsborough County, Florida.
The case dates back to June 6, 1984, when 33-year-old Cynthia Ruth Wood was found strangled to death. Santini was identified as the prime suspect but managed to flee before he could be arrested. Over the years, he used multiple aliases and moved across different states and countries to avoid detection. His capture came as a result of a tip received by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, leading to his arrest without incident.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed relief at Santini's capture, stating, 'This arrest brings a sense of closure to a case that has haunted our community for decades. We hope it provides some solace to the family of Cynthia Ruth Wood.'
Santini is currently being held at the Hillsborough County Jail, awaiting extradition and trial. The arrest has reignited interest in the case, with many following the developments closely, hoping for justice for Cynthia Ruth Wood after all these years.
