The 49-year-old Florida mother and her 21- and 19-year-old sons are arrested for tampering with evidence after their father, David Rainey, was stabbed and thrown into the canal while on vacation

A Florida woman and her two sons have been charged in connection with the death of their father, whose stabbed body was found in a canal during a weekend trip.

David Rainey’s wife, Cindy Rainey, 49, and two sons, Bailey Rainey, 21, and Jack Rainey, 19, were arrested two years later on charges of tampering with evidence.

Rainey, 52, was found dead on July 25, 2021, submerged in a canal behind a home he and his family rented in Suwannee, Florida. Police have never named a suspect.

The father of two, who worked as a welder on steam and gas turbines, had been stabbed multiple times and his death was ruled a homicide in 2021.

Cindy, his wife, reported him missing the morning after he left the house during a marital argument.

After the argument, David left his glasses, wallet and cell phone behind.

David Rainey, 52, was found dead on July 25, 2021, submerged in a canal behind a home he and his family rented in Suwannee, Florida. Police have never named a suspect

After an “extensive search,” David’s body was eventually found in a canal in the backyard of the house they rented.

He was stabbed in the chest and his body was placed in the water after his death, officials said.

This week, officers arrested Cindy and Bailey Rainey in Flagler County and then 19-year-old Jack Rainey in Orlando.

All three are being held without bail.

In Florida, tampering with evidence is considered a third-degree felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison or probation for five years and a $5,000 fine.

Police have not released a suspect or possible motive for Rainey’s death.

Cindy Rainey, 49, was charged with tampering with evidence

Bailey Rainey, 21, was also charged. He is being held without bond

Jack Rainey, 19, has now been charged with tampering with evidence – two years later

The couple had been married for 21 years. David was born in Redlands, California and later graduated from welding school in New York.

His obituary read: “David traveled throughout the United States and the world for his work. “He was respected by his colleagues for his outstanding skills, work ethic and commitment to getting the job done right.”

The Dixie County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement: “On the morning of July 25, 2021, David Rainey was reported missing by his wife, Cindy Rainey, while the couple and their family were vacationing in the town of Suwannee.”

“Later that evening, Dixie County Sheriff’s Office investigators found David Rainey dead in a canal behind their rented home.”

“David Rainey had multiple stab wounds to the chest and was placed in the water after his death.” David Rainey’s death was ruled a murder.

His father’s obituary stated, “David traveled throughout the United States and the world for his work.” He was respected by his colleagues for his outstanding skills, work ethic and commitment to getting the job done right.

After an “extensive search,” David’s body was eventually found in a canal in the backyard of the house they rented.

“On October 25, 2023, three family members of David Rainey were arrested in connection with his murder.

“Detectives from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office traveled to Bunnell, Florida and arrested Cindy Rainey and Bailey Rainey with assistance from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

“Investigators then traveled to Orlando, Florida and arrested Jack Rainey with the assistance of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

“Cindy Rainey, Bailey Rainey and Jack Rainey have all been charged with tampering with evidence.

“Sheriff Darby Butler would like to thank the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office, Third Circuit, for assisting the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office with these arrests.”