Killer should face death penalty, jurors decide

Rene Stutzman

Sentinel Staff Writer

July 22, 2008

SANFORD

A jury Monday recommended the death penalty for a 43-year-old homeless man who bought a shotgun and six hours later used it to kill his estranged wife.

Jurors voted 11-1 in favor of the death penalty for William Silvia Jr.

Circuit Judge Donna McIntosh will make the final sentencing decision later.

Silvia shot and killed Patricia Silvia, 39, on Sept. 22, 2006, at the home near Casselberry that she shared with her parents.

Also wounded that night was her mother, Betty Woodard.

Silvia told a psychiatrist that he bought the shotgun because he was afraid of his estranged wife's relatives.