Florida to Seek Death Penalty Against Man Accused of Murdering Lyft Driver

Florida to Seek Death Penalty Against Man Accused of Murdering Lyft Driver
Palm Beach Gardens Chief of Police Clinton Shannon speaks at a news conference in Boynton Beach, Fla., on Sept. 13, 2023. Marta Lavandier/AP Photo
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OKEECHOBEE, Fla.—Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against a Florida man accused of murdering a Lyft driver whose car he allegedly stole in an attempt to escape another killing.

Okeechobee County prosecutors recently filed a court notice saying they will seek a death sentence against Mathew Flores, who is charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery for the Jan. 30 slaying of 74-year-old Gary Levin. They cited several aggravating circumstances, including that the killing happened while the suspect was fleeing another felony—a robbery—and that it was done in a “cold, calculated and premeditated manner.”