Tampa Republic

United States District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer, 27, of Wisconsin, to consecutive life sentences in federal prison following his convictions for multiple charges including conspiracy to commit robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Zwiefelhofer was also ordered to pay $10,886 in restitution to the victims' families. He was found guilty by a jury on March 8, 2024.

On April 10, 2018, S.L., Jr. and D.L. were discovered dead in Estero, Florida with multiple gunshot wounds. The couple had traveled from Brooksville, Florida to purchase firearms listed on Armslist when they were murdered during an armed robbery involving $3,000 intended for the transaction. Zwiefelhofer was identified as one of the perpetrators.

Zwiefelhofer had previously fought in Ukraine after going AWOL from the U.S. Army and planned to use the stolen money to fund travel to Venezuela.

Zwiefelhofer’s co-defendant, Craig Lang, is awaiting trial.

“There’s no question that Zwiefelhofer belongs behind bars, and his life sentence guarantees that will happen," said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Division. "When it comes to tackling the violent crime threat, our model is to work together with our state and local law enforcement partners."

“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, no stone was left unturned in the investigation and federal prosecution of this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Michael V. Leeman.