A judge has sentenced a man from Arizona following a murder that occurred at a car deal in 2023 went south.
According to a news release by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Alexander Smith forced his way into the home of Walter Mitchell and Susie Ephrem in Peoria before shooting them dead. Their 8-year-old grandson was also in the house at the time and was unharmed. The release explains that Susie managed to dial 911 after the incident, but died in the hospital. Walter was declared dead at the scene. Police say the shooting took place in November 2023.
The day after the shooting, Smith reportedly returned to the residence. He told detectives he was there to pick up a Ford Shelby GT500. Smith also claimed he worked for a car collector who purchased it from Walter. Detectives discovered messages between Smith and Walter regarding the sale of the vehicle. However, their exchange also revealed that a wire transfer between the pair did not go through. Walter called off the deal afterward and traded the GT500 at a Mustang dealership instead. The release explains that the couple were killed the following morning.
The Arizona Man Persisted With The Police Weeks Later
Smith visited the Peoria Police station weeks later and wanted to speak to detectives about claiming the vehicle. Authorities noted that his story did not match what he told officers at the house when they first met. Smith’s phone records indicated he was posing as the car’s owner while also communicating with Walter. When Walter withdrew from the sale, Smith still told a third party that he would deliver the vehicle. This was the same day Walter was killed.
The news release explains that authorities found Smith’s fingerprints on the couple’s door handle. GPS data also placed him near the property. Facing overwhelming evidence, Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of First-Degree Murder and one count of First-Degree Burglary. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that Smith was given two consecutive natural life sentences plus 21 years for murdering the couple during a home invasion.
Mitchell concluded, “This was an act driven by greed; even after taking two lives, this defendant continued to lie to police to try to get the car. Thanks to Peoria Police and MCAO prosecutors, his story unraveled, and he will spend the rest of his life facing the consequences of his choices.”