Authorities have taken two individuals into custody for allegedly burglarizing the home of Henry Parra and Adam Hlavaty, a couple from Coral Gables who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Kenya on August 19. The accident resulted in the deaths of seven people.
The accused, identified as Geybert Alexander García, aged 40, and Melany Perdomo, 24, reportedly exploited the misfortune by breaking into the residence less than a day after news of the deaths became public, as reported by the Coral Gables Police, according to CBS News.
The burglary was committed between August 20 and 22 at the home located on Valencia Avenue and was discovered by the couple's housekeeper, who promptly notified the authorities.
Investigators revealed that the suspects bypassed the security system and caused significant damage to the front door and lock.
Inside the house, they made off with art pieces, jewelry, electronics, and personal and business documents. Among the stolen items was a sculpture valued at more than $500,000.
The thieves also took the victims' two luxury vehicles: a 2023 Range Rover and a 2020 Porsche Taycan.
MacBook Tracking Leads to Arrest
An unexpected lead in the case was a stolen MacBook. Its tracking signal led detectives to a Miami-Dade County home where the suspects were located.
During the operation, García reportedly attempted to conceal himself inside a bathroom closet on the second floor, while Perdomo was found elsewhere on the upper level.
The investigation was bolstered by security camera footage from a neighbor of the Coral Gables residence, capturing the suspects leaving the scene.
Both suspects appeared before Judge Mindy Glazer, who found probable cause for the charges they face, which include burglary, vehicle theft, and grand larceny.
A Tragedy Followed by Theft
Parra, aged 55, was a co-founder of Trax USA, a company specializing in aviation maintenance software, and a U.S. Navy veteran. Hlavaty, 42, co-founded MRKT Group and held executive positions at companies like Pollo Tropical and Benihana.
Married since 2017, the couple perished with five others when their helicopter crashed during a safari in Kenya.
Among the deceased were journalist José Alberto Suárez, president of Telemundo stations in Florida, and Roger Duarte, a culinary entrepreneur and son-in-law of the founder of Versailles restaurant, a landmark for the Cuban exile community in Miami.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Kenyan aviation authorities.
Common Questions About the Coral Gables Burglary
How were the suspects apprehended?
The suspects were located through a tracking signal from a stolen MacBook, which led investigators to their location in Miami-Dade County.
What items were stolen from the Coral Gables home?
The thieves stole art pieces, jewelry, electronics, personal and business documents, and two luxury vehicles, including a sculpture valued at over $500,000.
Who were Henry Parra and Adam Hlavaty?
Henry Parra was a co-founder of Trax USA and a U.S. Navy veteran. Adam Hlavaty was a co-founder of MRKT Group and held executive roles at Pollo Tropical and Benihana.