SEBRING, Fla. – The prosecution in Highlands County has concluded its case in the sentencing trial of Zephen Xaver, who admitted to the shooting deaths of five women at a Sebring bank in January 2019. The trial will determine whether Xaver will face life in prison or the death penalty.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, the courtroom was filled with emotional victim impact statements from the families and friends of the victims. Loved ones shared how the tragic murders have affected their lives, painting a heartbreaking picture of loss and trauma.
April Nelson, the daughter of Cynthia Watson, a customer at the bank, expressed the profound impact the loss has had on her, saying, “When you lose a loved one to murder, you also lose yourself.” She detailed the fear and trauma she now experiences, highlighting the lasting effects of the heinous crime.
The daughter of banker trainee Ana Pinon-Williams, Priscilla Garza, recalled the moment of shock and agony when she learned of her mother’s death. The ripple effects of the tragedy were felt deeply within her family, leaving a painful void that cannot be easily filled.
Other family members, such as Michael Cook, husband of bank teller Debra Cook, and Victor Lopez, husband of bank teller coordinator Marisol Lopez, shared their own struggles in coping with the devastating loss of their loved ones. Their stories added layers of grief and heartache to the emotional day in court.
Tina Warner, the mother of banker Jessica Montague, reflected on the impact of the tragedy on her family, noting the fond memories frozen in time since the events of 2019. Each victim’s story brought forth a wave of emotions and highlighted the profound loss experienced by all those left behind.
In addition to the victim impact statements, the jury heard chilling details from the lead detective and prosecutor, who presented entries from Xaver’s phone that revealed disturbing thoughts of death and violence. The evidence painted a grim picture of the defendant’s state of mind leading up to the tragic events at the SunTrust Bank.
With the prosecution resting its case, the defense is now preparing to present its arguments to the jury, as the trial moves forward in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The emotional testimonies and evidence presented serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of senseless violence on communities and families.