Over three decades following the shocking murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares in his southwest Miami store, authorities have apprehended Omar Roy, a 72-year-old man, officially charging him with first-degree murder. Roy's name has been linked to the case since 1992. Miami Police took Roy into custody on Wednesday, claiming to have ample evidence tying him directly to the crime committed on May 6, 1992, as reported by Telemundo 51. Valladares was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head in the back of his business, Zamora Jewelry, located at 1006 Southwest 1st Street.
A court affidavit reveals that Roy's fingerprints were identified on a phone and a shattered mirror inside the store. Furthermore, just days after the incident, on May 15, 1992, Roy was arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol for attempting to flee from law enforcement. Hidden within a baby diaper in his vehicle, authorities found a significant amount of jewelry, leading to charges of grand theft and trafficking in stolen property. It was later confirmed that these jewels matched those stolen from Valladares' jewelry shop on the day of the murder.
During a prison interview in July 1992, Roy claimed an unknown assailant entered the store and shot Valladares while he hid. However, his account was inconsistent, and the case remained unsolved. In August 2014, the investigation was reopened, revealing that Valladares had last been seen with Roy at a café adjacent to the jewelry store. In May 2025, a new detective took over the case and identified numerous discrepancies in Roy's previous statements. When re-interrogated on Wednesday, Roy gave incoherent statements and admitted to lying in past interviews.
Renewed Investigation and Arrest
During Thursday's court hearing, Roy's defense attorney questioned the strength of the prosecution's case, stating, "There is no evidence that Mr. Roy shot the victim or possessed a weapon." Nevertheless, Judge Mindy Glazer responded decisively, "I find probable cause based on the four key points of the affidavit. This case has been thoroughly investigated, and authorities believe Mr. Roy committed this crime." Judge Glazer also noted that Roy's 1993 involuntary manslaughter conviction adds weight to the decision to deny bail. The accused appeared before a division judge on Friday.
The Valladares case exemplifies how cold cases can be revived, even after more than 30 years. Authorities assert they will continue re-evaluating old cases with new technologies and investigative teams. In recent months, several cases have been resolved, such as the mysterious Miami-Dade murder of local businessman Joseph DiMare 62 years ago. Upon review, police concluded that Frances DiMare, the victim's wife, was indeed the one who shot Joseph in the head.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miami Jeweler's Case
What new evidence led to Omar Roy's arrest?
The arrest was facilitated by fingerprint evidence found on a phone and a broken mirror at the crime scene, as well as inconsistencies in Roy's past statements.
Why was Roy's bail denied?
Judge Mindy Glazer denied bail due to probable cause based on the affidavit and Roy's previous conviction for involuntary manslaughter in 1993.
What other cold cases have been reopened in recent months?
In addition to the Valladares case, the Miami-Dade murder of businessman Joseph DiMare was resolved, determining that his wife was responsible for his death.