Alleged Killer Of Gay Seniors Could Face Historic Death Penalty In Florida
A man accused of murdering two older gay men in Miami might become the first person to receive an automatic death sentence under Florida’s new law. This case has raised serious concerns about safety in our LGBTQIA+ communities and exposed gaps in the immigration system.
🚨 Miami-Dade County, FL: On Wednesday, illegal alien and Hungarian national Zsolt Zsolyomi was arrested for two counts of Murder in connection with the deaths of Rodolfo Fernandez de Velasco and Carlos Villaquiran.
— Illegal Alien Crimes (@ImmigrantCrimes) February 23, 2025
It is reported that Zsolyomi overstayed his visa.
Police say… pic.twitter.com/LLiGrHhrky
Who Is the Alleged Killer?
Zsolt Zsolyomi, a 25-year-old Hungarian national, entered the US on a 90-day visa in 2022 but stayed after it expired. His legal troubles began in 2024 with charges of theft and robbery in Broward County, Florida.
After these initial crimes, officials fitted him with an ankle monitor and released him. What happened next? US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lost track of him completely.
The Tragic Murders
Last November, Miami police alleged they had linked Zsolyomi to the murder of 66-year-old Carlos Villaquiran. The victim was found face-down in his bathtub, strangled to death in his Miami Beach flat. Police reports show Zsolyomi had been in an intimate relationship with Villaquiran.
The violence didn’t stop there. In February, authorities arrested Zsolyomi for the alleged murder of 71-year-old Rodolfo Fernandez de Velasco. The senior was found strangled with the seatbelt of his own car the month before.
According to police, the 25-year-old may have been “targeting the elderly, gay community.”
“He Hunts His Prey”
Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones did not hold back when describing the accused at a press conference: “This fella is a really bad guy. He is the epitome of evil. He hunts his prey. He’s patient with his prey, and then he kills them. There’s no doubt in my mind, had he not been caught, he would’ve done this again and again and again.”
Fox 35 reported that Zsolyomi confessed to both killings and now faces second-degree murder charges.
Florida’s New Death Penalty Law
If convicted, Zsolyomi could make legal history. In January, the Florida legislature passed a new immigration bill with a serious twist. It requires “unauthorised aliens” convicted of capital crimes to receive a mandatory death sentence.
This provision has sparked debate. The Death Penalty Information Centre notes that longstanding federal precedent and international law prohibit mandatory death sentences.
Interestingly, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stated he plans to veto the bill. His issue isn’t with the death penalty part but with other clauses he finds too “weak.”
#LocalNews #Miami
— The Border Observer (@borderObserver) February 22, 2025
Hungarian national accused in crime spree across Miami, Miami Beach denied bond after arresthttps://t.co/gR2drjUlho
20 Feb 2025
City of Miami Police announced the arrest of Zsolt Zsolyomi (25-y/o) .. illegal overstay ..#FrontPage #BorderObserver qt-fp-14440
How Did the System Fail?
The case highlights major gaps in immigration enforcement. Miami Herald reporter Devoun Cetoute pointed out the stark contrast between local police efficiency and federal immigration failures.
“When Miami Beach police figured out that they had a murder on their hands in November, it only took a few weeks for them to track down Zsolyomi,” Cetoute said. “For police it was a quick process to identify and track this man, but for ICE, for some reason, it took a lot longer than that.”
As members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we must stay informed about these cases that affect our safety directly. Do we need better systems to protect our more vulnerable community members?
