Prosecutors say Alexander Lee Smith killed a Peoria, Arizona, couple and attempted to steal their Ford Shelby GT500—then lied to police in a bid to keep the car.

A Violent Home Invasion Sparked by Jealousy and Greed

July 14, 2025: In November 2023, 21-year-old Alexander Lee Smith forced his way into the Peoria home of Walter Mitchell and his wife, Susie Ephrem, intending to finalize a deal for their prized Ford Shelby GT500. When the wire transfer fell through and the couple backed out, Smith allegedly returned to confront them—this time with a gun. He fatally shot Walter, and Susie called 911 before later succumbing to her injuries at the hospital. Their 8-year-old grandson was in the home at the time but remained unharmed.

“They Never Had a Chance”

Shortly after the murders, Smith reportedly showed up at the crime scene claiming he was there to pick up the car on behalf of a client. He later visited the police station, offering conflicting stories about acquiring the GT500. Investigators uncovered text messages between Smith and Walter discussing the sale, GPS data placing Smith near the home at the time of the shooting, and his fingerprints on the front door handle. Prosecutors say he continued lying even after murdering the couple—underscoring what County Attorney Rachel Mitchell called “an act driven by greed.”

Harsh Sentence for a Callous Crime

On July 11, 2025, Smith was sentenced to two consecutive life terms, plus an additional 21 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and first-degree burglary. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated, “Even after taking two lives, this defendant continued to lie to police to try to get the car.”

Final Take

This heinous crime began as a deal gone wrong—but devolved into bloodshed and desperation. By targeting an innocent elderly couple and transforming a failed transaction into fatal violence, Smith’s actions underscore how greed and entitlement can lead to devastating consequences. With no chance of parole, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars—while a family copes with an unimaginable loss over a car.