Former Prison Guard Trainee Recommended for Death Penalty in Florida Bank Massacre

A former prison guard trainee, Zephen Xaver, faced a jury's decision regarding his sentencing for the execution-style murders of five women inside a Florida bank five years ago. The jury voted 9-3 to recommend the death penalty for Xaver, who showed no emotion as the verdict was read. The murders occurred at the SunTrust Bank in Sebring on January 23, 2019.

The final decision on Xaver's sentencing rests with Circuit Judge Angela Cowden, who may reject the jury’s recommendation and sentence Xaver to life in prison without parole. A sentencing date is expected to be set after a hearing next month.

Legal Changes

Notably, a 2023 Florida law adjusted the requirement for a death penalty sentence, allowing for a jury vote of 8-4 to impose that sentence, as opposed to the previous unanimous jury recommendation. This change came after a 9-3 jury vote spared the shooter who murdered 17 people at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018.

Xaver's Background

Xaver, 27, pleaded guilty last year to five counts of first-degree murder. He ordered the victims to lie on the floor before shooting each of them in the head as they cried out.

Defense attorney Jane McNeill argued that Xaver is mentally ill and has been hearing voices since childhood urging him to kill himself and others. She appealed for compassion, grace, and mercy from the jury, emphasizing that sentencing Xaver to life is the right thing to do.

Past Behavior and Warning Signs

Xaver's disturbing behavior was evident from an early age. In 2014, his high school principal in Indiana contacted police after he expressed a desire to kill classmates. His mother promised to get him psychological help. Xaver's homicidal thoughts persisted, leading to his discharge from the Army during boot camp in 2016. His mother testified at trial that she stopped his medications at 17 because he seemed to be doing better.

Lead-Up to the Massacre

Before the killings, Xaver had a long text message conversation with a girlfriend, expressing that it would be the “best day of his life” without revealing the reason. Just before entering the bank, he told her that he was about to die and added, “the fun part.” After the massacre, Xaver threatened suicide but eventually surrendered.

Response to Verdict

Brian Haas, the local state attorney, emphasized that the focus should be on the victims rather than the perpetrator, stating, “Five women, who were mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, and so much more to so many people, had their lives cut short on that fateful day in January 2019. Their families have suffered so much without them while they waited for justice.”