ORLANDO, Fla. – Convicted killer Bessman Okafor will learn his fate on Monday, as the judge decides his sentence for the murder of 19-year-old Alex Zaldivar. The case, which has seen multiple trials and legal maneuvers over the years, is set to conclude with either a death penalty or life imprisonment.
Bessman Okafor was originally found guilty in 2012 for the cold-blooded murder of Alex Zaldivar during a home invasion. The crime left the Zaldivar family devastated, particularly Alex’s father, Rafael Zaldivar, who has been a constant presence at court hearings since his son’s tragic death. “I do what I can,” Rafael Zaldivar said. “I’ve been coming out here, I’ve been to maybe more than 200 hearings. Seven trials, you know if I have to go through it again then so be it.”
The path to justice for Alex Zaldivar has been fraught with challenges. Back in January, during a re-sentencing trial, a jury voted 9 to 3 in favor of the death penalty for Okafor. Despite this, the ultimate decision rests with the judge, who will determine whether Okafor will face execution or spend the rest of his life in prison.
Rafael Zaldivar has been vocal throughout the legal proceedings, expressing a relentless desire for justice. “My job is to make sure that we put him back in a six by nine box, whether they execute him or not. But I want him in that box,” he firmly stated.
According to Yonfa, even if Okafor is sentenced to death, he could appeal the decision, potentially prolonging the final resolution for over a decade. However, Yonfa emphasized that Okafor’s future outside of prison is nonexistent. “No matter what Judge Munyon decides tomorrow, Okafor will never be a free man. He will either spend life in prison or see the death penalty,” he concluded.
Also Read:
- Teen Taken into Custody After 8-Year-Old Suffers Gunshot Wound
- Florida Police Arrest 17-Year-Old Linked to Deadly D.C. Shooting
Monday’s sentencing marks a pivotal moment in a case that has deeply affected the Zaldivar family and attracted significant public and media attention. The community awaits Judge Munyon’s decision, which will bring a measure of closure to a long and arduous journey for justice. The Zaldivar family, steadfast in their pursuit, hopes for a resolution that honors the memory of their beloved Alex and ensures that Bessman Okafor faces the full extent of the law.
