Tania Wise, 23, was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her second child, a boy named Josiah, just a week before her scheduled elective caesarean. Already a single mother to an eight-year-old son, Tania had joyfully announced her pregnancy at a baby shower, expressing her excitement to expand her family.
The story took a tragic turn as it was revealed that Tania had become pregnant by a married man, Jose Soto-Escalera, with whom she had a relationship after meeting at a club where she worked as a dancer. Initially, Soto-Escalera, a 41-year-old garbage truck driver, had urged Tania to undergo an abortion, providing her with money for the procedure out of fear that his wife would discover the affair.
Despite initially accepting the money, Tania had a change of heart and decided to keep the baby, giving the abortion funds to an ex-boyfriend instead. Known for prioritizing her family, Tania’s decision to raise the child on her own was met with support from her loved ones.
Tragically, just days before her due date, Tania was found brutally murdered in a rural area of St Lucie County. The extent of her injuries, including severe head trauma and a fatal wound to her throat, also led to the loss of her unborn son, Josiah. The shocking incident left Tania’s friends and family devastated, transforming what was meant to be a time of celebration into a somber funeral.
Following an investigation, Soto-Escalera emerged as a prime suspect in the murder. Evidence, including deleted phone records and incriminating internet searches, pointed to his involvement in the premeditated killing. Witnesses corroborated his presence near the crime scene, further implicating him in the heinous act.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Soto-Escalera was charged with two counts of murder and faced the possibility of the death penalty. Additional evidence, such as recorded conversations and witness testimonies, solidified the prosecution’s case against him, highlighting the calculated nature of the crime.
After a trial where the jury found him guilty on all charges, Soto-Escalera was sentenced to death for the murders of Tania and her unborn child. The courtroom was filled with emotional testimonies from Tania’s loved ones, underscoring the profound loss caused by the senseless act of violence. The judge’s decision marked the end of a tragic chapter in Tania’s story, one that had begun with the anticipation of new life but ended in heartbreaking tragedy.