Hialeah Gardens Man Accused of Killing Spouse in Car Explosion

A shocking explosion rocked a Hialeah Gardens neighborhood early Saturday morning when, according to police, a man deliberately set his car on fire with his spouse trapped inside.

Home security cameras captured the blast around 6 a.m., jolting residents awake.

“The explosion was too loud, not just ‘pow pow’—it was ‘bah bah,’” said neighbor Miguel Hernandez.

Investigators say the fire was intentional. Noel Ruiz Mestre has been charged with arson and murder, accused of using a homemade explosive device to kill his spouse.

“She was a nice person, always friendly,” Hernandez recalled.

According to police, the couple had been driving when their car suddenly stopped. A heated argument ensued, with the victim attempting to exit the vehicle unsuccessfully. Ruiz Mestre then stepped out and allegedly detonated the explosion.

Authorities say he later returned home, disposed of his burned clothing, and stabbed himself in the stomach before fleeing. He eventually called 911 for medical assistance.

Ruiz Mestre remains hospitalized. Once recovered, he will be taken into custody to face murder and arson charges. The victim’s identity has not been released.