Judge denies bond for estranged husband of missing Fort Lauderdale woman

The estranged husband of a Fort Lauderdale woman who disappeared in Spain must remain imprisoned without bond because he is a flight risk, a Miami judge ruled following a lengthy hearing Friday.

The estranged husband of a Fort Lauderdale woman who disappeared in Spain must remain jailed without bond because he is a flight risk, a Miami judge ruled following a lengthy hearing Friday.

David Knezevich, 36, appeared before Chief Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres Friday afternoon, six days after he was arrested at Miami International Airport on kidnapping charges, and months after his wife, Ana Knezevich, disappeared in Madrid in early February. She still has not been found.

David Knezevich is accused in federal court documents of driving from Serbia to Madrid, showing up at his wife’s apartment, spray-painting security cameras, and leaving with a suitcase. He later told employees to impersonate her over the phone to cancel insurance policies and open a bank account.

“The family is very pleased and grateful for the result,” the family’s lead attorney, Courtney Caprio, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel after the hearing Friday. “And we will continue to support the law enforcement investigation to the fullest extent to get justice for Ana.”

The bond hearing was lengthy and involved the cross-examination of an FBI agent who had investigated the case. Caprio declined to comment on the details of the hearing.

Knezevich’s previous attorney, Ken Padowitz, said Friday he had withdrawn from the case and declined to comment further. His new attorney, Jayne Weintraub, did not immediately respond to emails Friday.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.