Marisol Lopez, a 55-year-old woman of Puerto Rican descent, tragically lost her life on January 23, 2019, in Sebring, Florida. Marisol was one of the victims in a horrific mass shooting at a SunTrust Bank. Born on October 12, 1963, in Puerto Rico, she was a beloved member of her community and deeply committed to her faith. Marisol's life was marked by her love for her family and her dedication to her church. She is survived by her husband, Victor Manuel Lopez Diaz, and her two children, Victor Lopez and Kiara Lopez, as well as her mother, Delfina Carmona, and her three brothers.
The tragic event unfolded when Zephen Allen Xaver, a 21-year-old man, entered the SunTrust Bank armed with a 9-millimeter handgun and wearing body armor. Without any apparent motive, Xaver opened fire, killing five people, including Marisol Lopez. The other victims were Ana Piñon-Williams, Jessica Montague, Debra Cook, and Cynthia Lee Watson. After the shooting, Xaver called 911 and remained on the phone until law enforcement arrived and apprehended him.
The aftermath of the shooting saw a significant legal process. Zephen Allen Xaver was charged with five counts of first-degree murder. The case proceeded through the courts, and in December 2024, Xaver was sentenced to death by Circuit Judge Angela Cowden. The jury had previously recommended the death penalty with a 9-3 decision. The sentencing brought some measure of closure to the victims' families, though the pain of their loss remains.
Marisol Lopez's death, along with the deaths of the other victims, left a lasting impact on the Sebring community. The senseless nature of the crime and the loss of such cherished individuals have been deeply felt. The community has come together to mourn and remember those lost, seeking justice and healing in the wake of this tragedy.
