Suspect accused of taking state aid after mother’s disappearance in Miami.
An 84‑year‑old woman from Allapattah, Miami, disappeared on April 6, 2023, after her son reported her missing. The mother, identified as Edis Lopez Collazo, had Alzheimer’s disease. Her son, 66‑year‑old Eduardo Lopez Hernandez, was later questioned by detectives about his mother’s whereabouts.
Investigators interviewed Lopez Hernandez on March 28 and May 8, 2024. He claimed a man had informed him that his mother had traveled to Cuba, but state records show her last visit to the island was in 2004. Police reviewed financial documents and found 2024 purchases made with her card, indicating potential fraud.
On Thursday morning, authorities apprehended Lopez Hernandez at a gas station on Northwest 27th Avenue and 36th Street. During questioning, he admitted to disconnecting his mother’s phone, using her government benefits for personal expenses, and failing to provide adequate care while they lived together.
Lopez Hernandez was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and will appear in bond court next week. He faces charges of aggravated abuse of an elderly person, organized fraud, theft from the elderly, identification fraud, and public assistance fraud. Miami‑Dade County Crime Stoppers requests tips from anyone with information.