Florida father arrested after allegedly killing ex and kidnapping their child

CLEARWATER, Fla. (TCD) -- Police located a 34-year-old father and his young daughter this week after he allegedly killed the child’s mother and took off with the girl.

In a press conference, Largo Police Chief Mike Loux said officers received a call from the Clearwater Police Department on Jan. 29 at approximately 3 a.m. regarding a possible felony domestic battery case in their jurisdiction. Largo Police officers responded to Bayside Court Apartments at 1760 Clearwater Largo Road North, where they tried to make contact with the battery suspect, Renato Muhaj.

According to Loux, officers found evidence that a crime occurred, entered the home, and discovered Renato Muhaj’s ex, Suela Saliaj, deceased. Police said she died of homicidal violence, but the medical examiner will confirm the exact cause of death.

Their daughter, 8-year-old Alessia Muhaj, was reportedly missing, and Clearwater Police posted an Amber Alert. In the bulletin, authorities said the young girl was last seen near the 1700 block of Clearwater Largo Road North, and investigators suspected she was with her father, traveling in a gold Kia Sportage.

According to Loux, investigators used cellphone coverage in an attempt to locate the missing girl and Muhaj. At around 8:30 a.m., a Clearwater sergeant reportedly spotted the Kia, and a Largo Police detective closed in on the vehicle and observed Renato and Alessia Muhaj inside, both unharmed.

The girl was placed in the custody of other family members.

Officers arrested Muhaj and booked him into the Pinellas County Jail on multiple charges, including domestic battery, felony battery, first-degree murder, aggravated assault, tampering with a witness, kidnapping, child abuse, and false imprisonment.

MORE:

• Press Conference - Largo Police Department
• Amber Alert and Update - Clearwater Police Department
• Pinellas County Jail Records