ABC 20/20 Investigates UF Student Christian Aguilar’s 2012 Murder — New Witness Recantation and Hope for Justice
ABC 20/20 revisits the 2012 killing of University of Florida freshman Christian Aguilar uncovering new witnesses recanted testimony and renewed legal efforts .
ABCs truecrime series 2020 has reexamined the 2012 murder of 18yearold University of Florida student Christian Aguilar revealing new developments that could shift the cases longestablished narrative .
The Tragic Timeline
On September 20 2012 Christian Aguilar disappeared after meeting with his former friend Pedro Bravo the exboyfriend of Aguilars girlfriend Erika Friman . Nearly a month later on October 12 2012 Aguilars skeletal remains were discovered in a shallow grave in Levy County Florida . His identity was confirmed through DNA and dental records .
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Evidence and Conviction
Pedro Bravo was charged and eventually convicted of firstdegree murder. Prosecutors presented substantial evidence .
- Surveillance footage of Bravo and Aguilar on the day of the disappearance
- A Gatorade bottle laced with sleeping pills
- Duct tape on Aguilars body matching tape from Bravos vehicle
- Blood traces in Bravos car matching Aguilars DNA
- A receipt for a shovel later found at the burial site
In August 2014 Bravo was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole .
New Developments in 2024
During a March 1 2024 episode 2020 featured two major revelations
- A new witness a woman claimed she saw Bravo and Aguilar arguing supporting Bravos claim he left Aguilar alive after a fight .
- Michael Angelo Bravos former cellmate recanted his testimony that Bravo confessed admitting he lied to receive a lighter sentence .
Bravos defense team has filed a motion for postconviction relief requesting a new trial . A ruling is expected later this year .
Reactions
State Attorney Brian Kramer insists the evidence remains strong. Aguilars family stands by the original conviction while Bravo expressed remorse for the familys pain maintaining hope the new evidence will clear his name .