BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of killing his estranged wife changed his plea to guilty in a Broward County courtroom on Wednesday, marking the end of a nearly yearlong case that had left a family and community grieving.
Jose Pacheco, 38, who was arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder of his 39-year-old wife, Mimose Dulcio, was sentenced to 55 years in prison. The sentence requires him to serve a minimum of 30 years before becoming eligible for release.
Dulcio, a beloved mother and coworker, was reported missing from her Broward County home in November 2022.
Investigators from the Broward Sheriff’s Office quickly focused on Pacheco after evidence suggested foul play.
Despite initially claiming that he had not seen or heard from Dulcio in the days leading up to her disappearance, detectives found evidence at the couple’s home and in Pacheco’s car indicating she had been murdered.
Days after her disappearance, authorities said Dulcio’s body was discovered buried in a remote area of northwest Miami-Dade. Authorities say the evidence pointed directly to Pacheco, who was arrested shortly after the discovery.
In an emotional court session, Dulcio’s family members took turns confronting Pacheco, sharing their heartbreak and anger over his actions.
Dulcio’s sister, Seminta Dulcio, did not mince words as she addressed the man who took her sister’s life.
“We don’t want to relive the trauma … We don’t want to see the photos of the body you tried to bury … That’s the only reason why we took this plea deal,” she said. “You’re a monster ... murderer ... manipulator ... a narcissist ... and you don’t deserve to live.”
Other family members echoed her anger, with Dulcio’s brother, Enel Dulcio, stating, “I hope one day when all this is done, you look back and feel the stain of your actions.”
Pacheco, who initially pleaded no contest, changed his plea after Broward County Circuit Judge Frank Ledee refused to accept it.
Friends and coworkers of Mimose Dulcio also spoke at the sentencing, describing her as a kind, hardworking woman whose life was stolen too soon.
“You need to suffer because Mimose did not deserve what you did to her,” said Andre Cross, a colleague of Mimose Dulcio’s.
Pacheco remained silent when given the opportunity to speak before sentencing. His family, who attended the hearing, declined to comment afterward.
“Jose may not feel the impact, but for the family, it meant the world,” said Enel Dulcio, Mimose Dulcio’s brother.