Maria Benitez is living through something no parent should ever have to endure—the loss of her daughter in a brutal act of violence. Her 22-year-old daughter, Nahomi Valentina Cittadini, was found dead on the side of Interstate 95 in Miami-Dade County on December 7, 2024. Now, as her family mourns, the man accused of taking her life—her boyfriend, 29-year-old Lorent Junior Pion—faces charges of second-degree murder.
“She was my baby, my best friend,” Benitez said, struggling through tears. “I still can’t believe she’s gone. I just can’t process it.”
A Relationship Marked by Fear
Nahomi had dreams. She was full of life, love, and laughter. But behind closed doors, she was living in fear. According to her mother, Nahomi had been trying to leave an abusive relationship with Pion, but he wouldn’t let her go.
“She didn’t want to be with him anymore, but he kept showing up, calling, following her,” Benitez shared. “She was so scared, but she didn’t know what to do.”
Records show that Nahomi had even filed a protective order against Pion after a violent incident, but like so many women in abusive relationships, she was still in danger.
The Tragic Final Moments
Witnesses saw a disturbing scene unfold that morning on I-95. Security footage reportedly captured a man—now believed to be Pion—arguing with a woman near the road. What happened next was devastating.
Investigators say Nahomi was assaulted and dragged into oncoming traffic, where she was struck by a vehicle. Blood evidence was later found inside and outside Pion’s car, adding to the mounting evidence against him.
A Family’s Plea for Justice
Pion was arrested shortly after the incident on unrelated charges but has now been officially charged with Nahomi’s murder. For her family, no amount of justice will bring her back, but they are determined to make sure her story is heard.
“She had her whole life ahead of her,” Benitez said. “No one should have to go through this. No one.”
As the case moves forward, Maria Benitez hopes that other women in dangerous relationships hear her daughter’s story and find the strength to seek help before it’s too late.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for support.