State prosecutors in Southwest Florida are going for the maximum punishment against 31-year-old Leosbey Cuesta de Armas, accusing him of fatally stabbing his former girlfriend, 39-year-old Zenaida Alvarez, during a late-night visit with friends in Lehigh Acres. Alvarez had gone to the home on Nov. 8 to help decorate when she was attacked inside, while her children were reportedly in separate bedrooms. After what authorities describe as a multi-county chase, Cuesta de Armas was arrested and has remained in jail without bond.
Prosecutors move to make case death-eligible
Court records show that on Jan. 20, 2026, state prosecutors filed formal notice that they intend to seek the death penalty. A Lee County grand jury had already returned an indictment on Dec. 9, 2025. Those milestones were detailed in coverage by The News-Press and in an announcement from the State Attorney's Office.
How investigators say the attack played out
Investigators allege Cuesta de Armas broke into the Lehigh Acres residence and hid in a kitchen pantry, waiting until Alvarez arrived. They say he then burst out and stabbed her multiple times while other adults were gathered in the living room. Family members and deputies told Gulf Coast News that Alvarez's children were asleep in separate bedrooms and that a resident only discovered the suspect after "several hours."
Chase across counties ends in crash and arrest
Authorities say Cuesta de Armas sped away from the scene, triggering a pursuit that wound from Hardee County into Polk County. The chase ended on Nov. 9 when he crashed and was taken into custody, and officials report that a knife believed to have been used in the killing was recovered. Details of the pursuit and arrest were outlined by FOX4, citing local law enforcement.
What the court has lined up next
Cuesta de Armas faces charges including capital first-degree murder and first-degree armed burglary. Court records show he is still being held without bond and is scheduled for a case-management conference on March 17. Local reporting notes that prosecutors made their move in January to classify the case as death-eligible while pretrial discovery and motions get underway.
Florida's capital punishment rules in play
Under Florida law, a conviction for a capital felony can result in a death sentence, but only if the state proves statutory aggravating factors and a separate penalty-phase proceeding is held before a death sentence can be imposed. For more on the legal framework, see the statewide sentencing provisions in Chapter 775 at the Florida Senate and the specific penalty-phase statute, also available through the Florida Senate. In announcing the grand jury indictment, the State Attorney's Office described the killing as "a very targeted attack."
