The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has announced an arrest in the Tia Poklemba homicide case.
Poklemba's body was found bruised and bloodied on the side of a San Carlos Park road on Aug. 8, 2008. She later died.
Luis Gonzalez, 26, who had been sought by detectives since Poklemba's death, was arrested Thursday in El Pedernal, Mexico.
“I knew this day would come,” said Detective Mike Carr, who has investigated Tia Poklemba’s murder since 2008. “I won’t be satisfied until a judge renders a sentence.”
The case captured national attention and has been featured on "America's Most Wanted" three times. The most recent airing on the Lifetime TV Network in March generated the tip that pinpointed exactly where in Mexico Gonzalez was hiding.
Gonzalez faces charges of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death and Manslaughter with a Weapon, both First Degree Felonies.
Gonzalez is currently awaiting extradition proceedings in Mexico.
The moment Debbie Poklemba heard the news that the man accused of killing her daughter had been arrested, she felt a wave of relief.
“We cried, we laughed,” said Poklemba. “It felt like someone lifted something off me.”
April Poklemba stated in a Facebook status update: "I am so happy to be able to announce that after almost 4 years that Luis Gonzales has finally been arrested!! I am thankful to all of the hardworking people of Law Enforcement involved that were able to help bring this man to justice not only for my family, but for everyone who loves Tia Poklemba!! Such an amazing day!!"
Detectives say Poklemba left Best Western Spring Resort's Tiki Bar in San Carlos Park with Gonzalez that morning.
After stopping at a convenience store, a struggle ensued inside the car.
Detectives say Gonzalez then drove a short distance and Poklemba jumped out of the car - her shoes in hand, her phone flipped open and gripping her pocket knife. When she began to run, Gonzalez rammed into her, knocked her down and then backed over her before leaving her for dead, reports state.
Poklemba was discovered by a newspaper delivery driver the next morning.
The driver told deputies her dress was above her waist and her top was pulled down.
She had a missing ear, a hole in her shoulder and clumps of her hair were pulled out.
She was barely clinging to life, and died the next day.
Check news-press.com for updates on this developing story.
Another website with a little more of the backstory that he was working as a field surveyor...
May justice be served!!! Bastard. :-@ (Not you Ryan, him!!!) B-)
