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.”…