June 1, 2026 | By: Emily Cannon

This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and the University of North Florida’s Applied Journalism class.

***UPDATED SPOTLIGHT***

Amparo Torres Arias loved to twirl batons. She loved to dance in perfect rhythm as the baton twisted and flipped above her and the crowds watched in awe. Over the years, she worked hard to be the best she could be when it came to twirling.

Over forty years ago, the stage lights dimmed on Amparo’s twirling. On June 11, 1981, 29-year-old Amparo was found shot to death in her kitchen after a foul odor was linked to her apartment off Southwest 88^th Street in Miami, Florida. Police have yet to find her killer.

Her son Alejandro “Alex” Borrego was only 2 years old when she was killed. He grew up with his grandmother in Canada. He found out Amparo was murdered when he was 12 by finding the death certificate on his grandmother’s bed. He had always been told she was away for work.

Amparo was a teacher in Colombia in South America, and she made it her passion. She loved her students and wanted to help the future generations grow in their learning. She loved watching them succeed in school and in their everyday lives.

She loved her coworkers and truly lit up every room she walked into.

“Every story I’ve heard about Mom, I have been told she was the kindest lady. She loved caring for others, and that’s why she became a teacher.” said Alex.

She always looked for others and made sure they knew how important they were.

“She never met a stranger; I’ve always been told she would meet you and then five minutes later she would make you feel a part of the family,” Alex said.

“The thing I want to know most is just more memories about my mother, growing up without her. I would hear stories of her, but they are few and far between.” Alex said.

Amparo and Alex’s father had separated before her murder, and he was ruled out as a suspect in the case, but Alex did not grow up with his father in his life. He only met his father 20 years ago. Both his mother and his father ran in certain circles which could have played into Amparo’s death.

Police found no signs of forced entry into Amparo’s apartment after the murder took place, and nothing was taken such as jewelry or other valuables. Police believe that the killer was someone she knew.

Alex hopes that now that the case has reopened with newer technology, detectives may be able to find more information about the murder and about his mother’s killer.

Since the murder happened when Alex was so young, Amparo’s death has affected him deeply and differently than when others lose loved ones. He struggles with keeping his mother’s memory alive. He continues to search for a suspect for the murder through her case files and Facebook to find out more.

Growing up without her, he did not get to make memories with his mom. Most kids were able to celebrate so many things including holidays, birthdays, school achievements, and much more. “I just wish I could have had the chance to really know what she was like,” Alex said.

Alex has created a great life for himself, getting married and having kids. “I wish my mom were here to meet my kids and my wife. I know she would have loved them all so much and she would have been the best grandmother,” Alex said.

*Original Spotlight Article*

May 15, 2017

On Thursday, June 11, 1981 a foul odor coming from an apartment on SW 88th Street in Miami, Florida led to the discovery of the decomposing body of 29-year-old Amparo Torres Arias. She had been shot and killed by an unknown suspect(s) in her home.

According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, Amparo was known to keep to herself with the exception of several unidentified men that visited her apartment from time to time.  Investigators stated that Amparo’s apartment was “well kept and fashionable” and indications are that there was no sign of forced entry or ransacking of the home before, during or after the attack. Police have not indicated any motive in the case but there is a chance the murder is connected to Amparo’s husband’s involvement in criminal activity at the time. Reports indicate that two coffee cups were found at the scene but it is unknown if they have been tested or retested for DNA.

Amparo had a 3-year-old son, Alex, who had gone to stay with family in Canada just before her murder. Alex has no memories of his mother but his love for her and his desire to find justice is evident as he shares his story with those willing to listen.

If you have any information on the unsolved murder of Amparo Torres Arias, please contact the Miami-Dade Police Department at (305) 471-2350 or email at hominfo@mdpd.com. To remain anonymous, and possibly be eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477.

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