Officers from the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) were dispatched to the Oakbrook Village Apartment Complex, located at 2225 Nursery Road, at approximately 2:44 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024.
Officers were advised that 34-year-old Renato Muhaj got into a physical altercation with his parents at a residence he shared with them. At one point in time, Renato raised a machete as if he were to hurt or kill his parents, who held onto each other and closed their eyes in fear they were going to be killed. He reportedly began punching his father in the face multiple times, breaking several teeth and resulting in a facial fracture. He kicked his mother and pushed her multiple times onto the couch. His mother was not injured in the attack. His father was transported to Morton Plant Hospital for further medical care.
His parents attempted to call 911, but Renato placed their cell phones in his pocket. One of his parents was able to escape the apartment and notify a neighbor, who called the police.
Based on information gathered by the CPD officers, at approximately 3 a.m., officers from the Largo Police Department were requested to respond to Bayside Court Apartments at 1760 Clearwater Largo Road. There were concerns that Renato was headed to the Bayside Court Apartments at 1760 Clearwater Largo Road, the residence of his Ex, 32-year-old Suela Saliaj and their child Alessia Mujaj.
Upon arrival, outside the apartment, officers discovered a knife/brass knuckles that were covered in blood, prompting immediate entry into the apartment. They also located blood on the apartment door. Suela Saliaj was found deceased in the bedroom covered in blood and had a laceration to her throat. Alessia was missing, leading to the issuance of an Amber Alert.
Around 8:30 a.m., using cell phone technology, information about Renato’s approximate location was obtained. A CPD sergeant located the vehicle near 1632 St. Pauls Drive. Collaborative efforts involving Largo Police, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and Clearwater Police successfully surrounded the parked vehicle and recovered Renato and Alessia.
According to court documents, Alessia detailed that she had witnessed Renato kill her mother, striking her numerous times with the knife/brass knuckles. Upon leaving the apartment, he pulled Alessia down the stairs, causing her to fall, then dragged her on the concrete to his vehicle to flee the crime scene.
She knew her mother had died and asked, “Why would you do that?”. Renato stated that he really wanted her to die.
Renato was taken into custody, and officers observed that he had blood on his glasses as well as on his feet. Renato alleged that he did not recall the incident that occurred.
Alessia is now reunited with her family, while Renato faces charges of 1st-degree murder, kidnapping, child abuse, aggravated assault, felony battery, false imprisonment, domestic battery, and tampering with a witness.
The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Suela worked in the banking industry as a Senior Client Service Associate. It is believed that Renato worked in the construction field.
