SEBRING: Dark Day: SunTrust Bank Murders The Quest for Justice

by John L. Guerra

325 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2024

Reviews

[Frank Atlas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not consulting all families involved is such a disgusting thing to do. Profiting off of the tragedy of others without their consent. I recommend no one pick up this book if you have even a modicum of empathy.

[Shawna Tacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

John L. Guerra's "Sebring Dark Day" delivers a chillingly clear and comprehensive account of the Sebring SunTrust bank shooting, a tragedy that deeply impacted my own community. Working in Sebring, just four miles from the bank, I vividly recall the day's chilling atmosphere. Like many others, I initially assumed it was a robbery, a common fear in our small town, and frantically contacted loved ones. The subsequent revelation of a senseless act, driven by Zephen Xaver's disturbed mind, was all the more horrifying.

Guerra meticulously reconstructs the events, from the planning stages to the devastating aftermath, providing a clear timeline and context. His writing avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on presenting the facts with clarity and respect for the victims. This approach allows readers to fully grasp the sequence of events and the complexities of the situation. The book also delves into Xaver's background, revealing a disturbing pattern of red flags, from his repeated expressions of a desire to kill to his struggles with mental health and social isolation. These details, while disturbing, are crucial to understanding the factors that contributed to this tragedy.

"Sebring Dark Day" has faced criticism, with some community members expressing concern about profiting from the victims' tragedy. However, my understanding is that the families were involved and consented to the book's publication. I believe this book is a necessary, albeit difficult, read. It sheds light on the complexities of the case, including the long legal process, and helps us understand the "why" behind such a senseless act. Six years have passed since that day, and while a memorial now stands where the SunTrust bank once stood, the memory of these women and the events that forever changed Sebring will remain. #sebringstrong

[Sheri McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll never forget that horrifying day in January. When I finally worked up the strength to read this, I could not contain my emotions. Tears streamed down my face as my heart bled for each of those victims and their families. Those families’ lives were forever marred. Every day they carry a painful burden - thoughts of loved ones tortured on that dreadful day.

In this book, Mr. Guerra laid out the gruesome facts of the case over a five-year period. There were so many red flags. I kept wondering how this could have been stopped. Xaver had figured out how to manipulate, lie, and provide coverup stories to get what he wanted. It’s appalling how a mother could be so cavalier with respect to proper discipline and parenting decisions. I cringed when I learned there were gaps in the gathering of mental health information (for firearm purchases) that could have possibly prevented this disaster. The numerous accounts of courtroom delays also angered me.

Overall, I felt that the author delivered a clear, concise, and unbiased true story of Sebring’s tragic dark day. I just pray that by sharing this story, it will help prevent something like this from ever happening again.