By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 10:15:11.
Judge Sentences Palm Beach County Man to Eight Years in Prison for 2018 Shooting Death in Lake Worth Beach
A 28-year-old man from Palm Beach County has been sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser offense in the 2018 shooting death of another man in Lake Worth Beach. Odney Alexis pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree felony murder in the death of 24-year-old William Perez at the Orange Grove Mobile Home Park.
During a hearing on Thursday, Assistant State Attorney Marci Rex revealed that Perez was killed during an apparent drug transaction, in which he intended to sell marijuana. Cellphone records showed communication between Alexis and Perez on the day of the incident. The car seen fleeing the scene was identified as belonging to Alexis’ girlfriend, and a bank card belonging to Alexis was found inside.
However, Rex stated that the evidence suggests someone else in the car carried out the fatal shooting. No other arrests have been made in connection with the crime.
Perez’s mother addressed the court, expressing her belief that Alexis was being untruthful and uncooperative in identifying others involved in the attack. She spoke through a Spanish interpreter, conveying the deep pain and emptiness caused by her son’s death.
Alexis made a brief statement, maintaining his innocence and apologizing for the mother’s feelings towards him. He stated, “I’m sorry for the way she feels about me, but I did not do it. I had nothing to do with it.”
In approving the plea agreement, Circuit Judge Howard Coates credited Alexis with nearly three years of time served in jail while awaiting trial. Coates acknowledged the Perez family’s desire for a harsher penalty but emphasized that there was no guarantee of a guilty verdict had the case gone to trial.
“It is a sentence that brings a certainty of punishment and a certainty of justice to the state and also the victim’s family,” Coates stated in his approval of the state’s plea offer.
William Perez’s death has left a lasting impact on his family, who continue to seek closure and justice. The sentencing of Odney Alexis marks a significant step towards providing them with some form of resolution..
1. Odney Alexis pleads guilty in death of William Perez in Lake Worth Beach
2. Odney Alexis pleads guilty in fatal incident involving William Perez in Lake Worth Beach.