A Highlands County jury has sentenced Zephen Xaver, 27, to death last week for the execution-style murder of five women at a SunTrust Bank in Sebring in 2019.
Xaver pleaded guilty in March 2023 to five counts of first-degree murder with a firearm for the deaths of Marisol Lopez, Debra Cook, Ana Williams, Jessica Montague, and Cynthia Watson. The jury’s 9-3 decision in favor of the death penalty followed a lengthy penalty phase.
On January 23, 2019, Xaver entered the bank armed with a 9mm handgun and proceeded to terrorize and execute the five women. He forced them to lie on the floor before shooting them one by one, exhibiting a chilling calmness throughout the ordeal.
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“Yesterday, our community suffered a tremendous loss at the hands of a heinous criminal,” Sebring Police Chief Karl Hoglund said in 2019. “Zephen Allen Xaver knowingly and intentionally took the lives of five of our fellow community members; our sisters, our mothers, our daughters, our co-workers. Perhaps the most unfortunate thing is they are at this point, is victims of a senseless crime. While in contact with the victim’s families, several have requested that we not release their information in accordance with Marsy’s Law. I am going to honor their request. To honor their loved one’s memory, Ms. Cynthia Watson’s family, and Ms. Marisol Lopez’ family have asked that I share their loved one’s names.”
Evidence presented during the trial revealed Xaver’s disturbing fascination with violence and death. He had purchased the firearm just days after obtaining his driver’s license, lying on his background check application. He also joined online chat groups focused on murder and expressed his desire to kill in a note written on his phone.
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On the day of the shooting, Xaver texted his ex-girlfriend about his plans, stating that he was “going to kill people” and to “watch for me on the news.”
After a standoff with police, Xaver was apprehended and taken into custody. The five victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Xaver’s defense attorney argued for a life sentence, citing his history of mental health issues. However, the prosecution emphasized the heinous nature of the crime and the impact it had on the victims’ families.
“You shattered me into a million pieces,” said the daughter of victim Marisol Lopez during the sentencing hearing. “I will celebrate the day you die.”
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Judge Angela Cowden, in handing down the sentence, told Xaver, “May God have mercy on your soul.”
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