South Florida man accused of killing uncle, dogs and cat

MIAMI, Fla. - Police say a South Florida man beat his 50-year-old uncle to death and then wrapped his body in a rug and left it in a field several blocks away.

Miami-Dade police investigators say Carlos Nino's body was found on Monday and 30-year-old Carlos Zuluaga was later arrested.

Miami-Dade Police Detetcive Alvaro Zabaleta told CBS Miami Zuluaga confessed to the killing.

The Miami Herald reports Nino was first reported missing by his sister, who is the mother of the accused. She reportedly became concerned about her missing brother and pets when she returned home Sunday from a short vacation. According to the paper, over the weekend, Nino told his sister that Zuluaga was smoking cigarettes and playing loud music.

The woman and other relatives did a search and later found Nino's body in a field not far from the home, according to CBS Miami. The body was reportedly found wrapped in a carpet. Nino's head was wrapped in a towel and bandage and his hands were tied with an electrical cord, one of the relatives told the station.

Authorities were called and they later recovered a dead cat in a crate and three dogs buried outside the family's home. All had trauma to their necks, according to the station.

Police say Zuluaga has been charged with second-degree murder with a deadly weapon and animal cruelty. He remained in jail Tuesday morning.

One of Zuluaga's relatives told CBS Miami the 30-year-old has mental health issues and drug problems. The relative also said that Zuluaga had recently stopped taking his medication.