Maria Santiago-Burgos, a 43-year-old woman from Kissimmee, Florida, tragically lost her life on May 3, 2018. Santiago-Burgos, who was affectionately known as "Betsy" by her loved ones, was a survivor of Hurricane Maria. She had relocated to Central Florida with her two children and grandmother after the devastating hurricane hit Puerto Rico in September 2017. The family was staying at a Super 8 Motel in Kissimmee, where they were trying to rebuild their lives after losing everything in Puerto Rico.
On the night of May 3, 2018, Santiago-Burgos was shot and killed by Leumas Moraza, a 38-year-old man who had developed an obsession with her. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. at the motel. Moraza, who was not Santiago-Burgos' boyfriend but desired to be, called 911 to confess to the shooting and to surrender himself to the police. He admitted to arguing with Santiago-Burgos and then shooting her. The tragic event was witnessed by Santiago-Burgos' grandmother and her two children, ages 10 and 14. Her 14-year-old son ran to the front desk of the motel screaming for help.
Following the incident, Moraza was charged with unpremeditated murder and aggravated assault. He was denied bail and remained in the Osceola County Jail. The case proceeded to trial, and on April 23, 2021, Moraza was found guilty by a 12-person jury of first-degree murder in the death of Santiago-Burgos, as well as three counts of aggravated assault. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Santiago-Burgos' death highlighted the struggles faced by Puerto Rican evacuees who relocated to Central Florida after Hurricane Maria. Many, like Santiago-Burgos, lived in motels using short-term hotel vouchers provided by FEMA under its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program. These families faced uncertainty as their vouchers expired, and they struggled to find affordable housing. Santiago-Burgos had recently secured a new job and was on the verge of moving into an apartment when her life was tragically cut short. Her death underscored the need for better support and resources for disaster survivors trying to rebuild their lives.
