Predator Uncle Doesn't Realize Cops Found His Horrifying Secret

Summary

The video recounts the long investigation and prosecution of Jonathan Quiles, an adult man who murdered his 16-year-old niece, Iyana Sawyer, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Iyana disappears (Dec. 19, 2018)

After leaving Terry Parker High School at lunchtime while pregnant, Iyana never returns. Surveillance shows her carrying two bags. Her family reports her missing, and early on the case is treated like a typical missing-person investigation.

Search at the landfill

For 16 days, detectives sift through more than 5,000 tons of trash at the Otis Road Landfill. Early recovery yields only a library book and Victoria’s Secret underwear, which becomes crucial later.

Hidden relationship and pregnancy pressure

Investigators uncover that years earlier Jonathan had begun grooming Iyana inside the family home. He allegedly maintained the relationship by using a false name (“Jose”) and by controlling what Iyana told relatives about the father of her pregnancy.

Evidence suggests Jonathan feared his life would collapse if Iyana carried the child to term, especially because his wife/aunt was also pregnant.

Attempts to end the pregnancy

Prosecutors argue Jonathan sought a miscarriage using herbal remedies (that allegedly failed), then pressured Iyana to get an abortion. They also cite Snapchat messages that alternated between loving and threatening.

The murder plan and execution

Testimony and surveillance footage support that Jonathan lured Iyana to his workplace salvage yard (Ace Pick-A-Part) in a secluded area. He allegedly strangled her, then shot her when she wasn’t dying quickly enough.

He then wrapped her body in carpet and placed it in an on-site dumpster, knowing the dumpster would be emptied that day for landfill disposal.

Inconsistencies during questioning

When police first confronted Jonathan, he denied knowing anything and gave explanations inconsistent with investigators’ suspicions—including details about what Iyana packed. The investigation deepened with landfill logistics and DNA evidence tied to the recovered underwear.

Earlier crime and jailhouse confession

Jonathan was arrested first on a separate sexual battery charge involving another young relative (Somaiya Sawyer). While jailed, an inmate told investigators Jonathan confessed to killing Iyana and disposing of her body in a dumpster/landfill.

Trial strategy vs. prosecution evidence

The defense argued the prosecution couldn’t prove Iyana was dead, questioned timelines, and attacked paternity/credibility through testimony (including a witness claiming he was the baby’s father).

The prosecution relied on wiretapped recordings, Jonathan’s brother’s testimony, multiple family accounts, and Jonathan’s own detailed statements about disposal methods and the landfill.

Conviction and sentencing (2023)

A jury convicted Jonathan of two counts of first-degree murder (Iyana and Hazel, the baby). The death penalty was not imposed; the jury recommended life instead.

On Oct. 2, 2023, Judge Anthony Salem sentenced him to three consecutive life sentences without parole, and the video notes that he will die in prison.

Presenters/Contributors

• No specific presenters are named in the provided subtitle text.