Missing St. Cloud mother's remains identified; estranged husband charged, deputies say

ST. CLOUD, Fla. – Osceola County Sheriff Russ Gibson confirmed Sunday that deputies have found the remains of Nicole Montalvo, a mother who went missing near St Cloud earlier this week.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office said Montalvo's estranged husband, Christopher Otero-Rivera, 31, and his father, Angel Luis Rivera, 63, have now been charged with premeditated murder in Montalvo's death. However, they haven't released details into how Montalvo was killed.  The sheriff said there was probable cause to press charges.

"This investigation again by no means is over," Gibson said. "We are going to get everyone involved in this case. Everyone. Whatever role you played, no matter how small or insignificant it may be, your world is closing in on you."

Gibson confirmed there were also human remains found not far away on a property on Henry J Avenue that is owned by the Rivera family.

According to the sheriff, the investigation is will continue and they will search for any evidence needed. 

"We want to see these people prosecuted to the highest degree possible," Gibson said.

Montalvo was reported missing after failing to pick up her son from school earlier this week.

Deputies said Thursday that Montalvo was last seen around 5 p.m. Monday when she dropped off her 8-year-old son with his father and grandparents at their home on Hixon Avenue in St. Cloud.

Montalvo's cellphone has been turned off and she hadn't had a "trace of communication with anybody" since Monday, according to Osceola County sheriff's Maj. Jacob Ruiz.

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office originally named Otero-Rivera and Luis Rivera persons of interest in Montalvo's disappearance.

Montalvo's estranged husband, Otero-Rivera, was arrested Friday. His father, Luis Rivera, was also arrested on suspicion of violation of another felony charge.

According to court records, Otero-Rivera has a history of domestic violence-related charges involving his estranged wife dating back to 2016. Those records include a 2018 charge of kidnapping, battery and aggravated assault. 

Montalvo's family and friends have planned a vigil at the St. Cloud Lake Front Beach area at 7 p.m. Monday.