A man and a woman have been arrested after allegedly burglarizing a South Florida townhome belonging to a couple killed in a helicopter crash in Kenya. Police say luxury vehicles, personal documents, jewelry, electronics and artwork valued at more than $500,000 were taken. The woman is subject to an immigration detainer, while records identify the man as a U.S. citizen. Both suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 28.
The case involves the Coral Gables residence of Henry Parra, 55, and Adam Hlavaty, 42, who were among seven people killed in the Aug. 19 crash in Kenya’s Samburu County.
| 1) | The burglary followed a fatal Kenya helicopter crash |
| 2) | Police describe the missing property |
| 3) | Digital tracking led investigators to a Miami-Dade residence |
| 4) | Two suspects face multiple felony charges |
| 5) | The victims’ backgrounds and crash investigation |
The burglary followed a fatal Kenya helicopter crash
According to arrest affidavits and Miami-Dade court records, Geybert Alexander Garcia, 40, and Melany Pavon Perdomo, 24, were arrested Aug. 25. Investigators say the pair entered the Coral Gables home between the afternoon of Aug. 20 and Aug. 22, shortly after its owners died overseas.
The couple had left the residence on Aug. 12 and arranged for a housekeeper to visit each day. Police said investigators determined the home and its contents were intact after the fatal crash, establishing a reported timeline for the alleged burglary.
Police describe the missing property
The residence, appraised at nearly $3 million, was allegedly ransacked. Police reported the theft of a 2023 Land Rover Range Rover and a 2020 Porsche Taycan, along with personal and business records, jewelry, electronics and artwork.
The affidavit says officers recovered several items tied to the victims, including valuable artwork and a sculpture valued by police at more than $500,000. Investigators also reported finding a Range Rover key fob and materials they described as consistent with producing or altering fraudulent identification documents.
Digital tracking led investigators to a Miami-Dade residence
Investigators used Apple’s Find My service to locate a stolen MacBook, according to the complaint. Information associated with a spare key and the Range Rover’s application also pointed officers toward a residence in northwest Miami-Dade.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers found both stolen vehicles parked near the residence. The affidavit states that Garcia was discovered hiding in a second-floor closet, while Perdomo was found in another upstairs bedroom. Police say the search produced documents belonging to the victims and other property linked to the alleged theft.
Two suspects face multiple felony charges
Garcia is charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, two counts of grand theft of a vehicle and first-degree grand theft. Perdomo is charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and two counts of first-degree grand theft.
Court records identify Garcia as a U.S. citizen. Perdomo is subject to an immigration detainer. Authorities have sought additional information from federal immigration officials, and an attorney for the two defendants was not immediately available. The allegations remain unproven unless established in court.
The victims’ backgrounds and crash investigation
Henry Parra was a former Navy aviation support technician who later co-founded and managed an aviation maintenance company. Adam Hlavaty was a real estate executive and co-founder of a development company. Friends described the couple as devoted to travel, family, friends and community service.
“They were a loving couple who cherished their time together, especially traveling, making memories, and enjoying life with their family and friends,” friends said in a statement.
The helicopter was traveling from the Loisaba Conservancy to the Ewaso Nyiro area when it crashed in rugged terrain near Mount Ololokwe. The other people killed included Miami restaurateur Roger Duarte, television executive José Suárez, Ecuadorian intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi, his wife and fashion designer Stephany Hollihan, and pilot Josh Outram. Five of the victims were U.S. citizens, according to the State Department. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two suspects were arrested Aug. 25 in connection with the alleged burglary. |
| 2 | Police reported stolen luxury vehicles, documents, jewelry, electronics and artwork. |
| 3 | A stolen laptop and vehicle-related data helped direct investigators to the suspects. |
Summary
The arrests followed an alleged burglary at the home of a South Florida couple killed in a Kenya helicopter crash. Investigators say digital location data and a search warrant helped recover vehicles and other property. The defendants face felony charges, and the case will proceed through the Miami-Dade court system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested?
Geybert Alexander Garcia, 40, and Melany Pavon Perdomo, 24, were arrested Aug. 25, according to court records and arrest affidavits.
What property was allegedly stolen?
Police reported the theft of a Land Rover Range Rover, a Porsche Taycan, personal and business documents, jewelry, electronics and artwork, including a sculpture valued at more than $500,000.
What happens next?
Garcia and Perdomo are scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 28. The charges are allegations, and the court proceedings will determine the outcome.