Convicted murderer Bessman Charles Obinna Okafor has been sentenced to Death for the 2012 murder of 19-year-old Alex Zaldivar.
The sentence, which has gripped the community, reflects the relentless pursuit of justice by the father of the slain victim and the State of Florida.
"Okafor's death sentence reflects the gravity of the crime," said Bill Gladson, the State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
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Okafor, along with two other accomplices, participated in a home invasion back in May of 2012. Witnesses Alex Zaldivar and another individual were set to provide testimony against Okafor and his accomplices.
Before they could, Okafor orchestrated their murders just a day before the trial on September 10, 2012. Alex succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, while the other two victims were both shot in the head but miraculously survived. They would later testify against Okafor.
"We can never bring back our Alex, but today's verdict brings us another step closer to justice and closure. If I have to go to round eight of keeping this individual behind bars - I'll go to eight, twelve, fifteen, you name it," stated Rafael Zaldivar, father of the victim. "Going through these proceedings for the seventh time, you become immune to it but you never stop fighting for your child."
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The case was presented by Chief Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams and Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Jamie McManus, who have worked tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of the victims and the people of the great State of Florida.
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