A failed sports car sale turned deadly in November 2023, leaving two people dead and an Arizona man sentenced to life behind bars.
On Friday, 21-year-old Alexander Lee Smith was sentenced to two life terms plus 21 years after pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the deaths of Walter Mitchell, 52, and Susie Ephrem, 42. The sentencing follows an investigation that uncovered a disturbing tale of greed, deception, and premeditated violence.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Smith had contacted Mitchell about purchasing a Ford Shelby GT500, a high-performance sports car. But when Smith’s wire transfer failed, Mitchell called off the deal and instead sold the car to a dealership. That same evening, Smith allegedly broke into the couple’s home and shot both victims—Mitchell died at the scene, while Ephrem succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital.
A heartbreaking detail emerged during the investigation: the couple’s 8-year-old grandson was present in the home during the shooting, though he was not physically harmed.
Peoria police responded to a 911 call made by Ephrem shortly after 4 a.m. on November 11, 2023, reporting that she and her husband had been shot. When officers arrived, they found signs of forced entry. Mitchell was already dead, and Ephrem was rushed to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
In a bold and bizarre twist, Smith returned to the home the day after the murders, while detectives were still on scene, claiming he had purchased the Shelby GT500 and was there to pick it up. Detectives noted the inconsistency in his story, and he left without the car.
Two weeks later, Smith again appeared at the Peoria Police Department, attempting once more to claim the car. This time, inconsistencies in his statements raised red flags, prompting authorities to dig deeper. It was discovered that Smith had been attempting to sell the car to a third party, posing as the vehicle’s owner—even after Mitchell had called off the sale and days after the murders had occurred.
Investigators believe Smith’s motive was purely financial. He allegedly promised the third party the car would be delivered the day after the double homicide. “This was an act driven by greed,” said Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “Even after taking two lives, this defendant continued to lie to police to try to get the car.”
Smith was ultimately arrested one year to the day after the killings, on November 11, 2024. He has now been sentenced to two consecutive life terms, along with an additional 21 years for the burglary charge tied to the home invasion.
The case underscores the dangers of escalating personal disputes and how greed can spiral into devastating violence.
