A 25-year-old man living in the United States without legal status may become the first individual to face execution under a new Florida law, which mandates the death penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of capital offenses. The individual in question is Zsolt Zsolyomi from Hungary, accused of murdering two disabled men in the Miami area, along with other crimes.
This controversial law was passed on January 28, 2025, during a special session convened by Governor Ron DeSantis. Despite criticism from human rights advocates questioning the law's constitutionality, some lawmakers remain confident that it will withstand judicial review. Interestingly, Governor DeSantis himself has expressed intentions to veto the law due to certain "weak" clauses, though its final implementation is still under debate.
A Violent Criminal History
Zsolyomi entered the United States with a 90-day visa in October 2022 but stayed illegally after his visa expired. In July 2024, he committed a robbery and was arrested, only to be released under electronic monitoring while Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processed his deportation. However, when the monitoring system failed, authorities lost track of him, allowing him to continue committing crimes until his capture in late February this year.
Murders That Could Lead to Execution
On November 21 of last year, the body of Carlos Alonso Villaquiran, 66, was discovered in his Miami Beach apartment. Villaquiran, who had a relationship with Zsolyomi—known by the alias "Thomas"—was found strangled in his bathtub. Evidence such as text messages, photos, and security camera footage showed that Zsolyomi had previously assaulted and stolen from Villaquiran before the murder.
On January 19 of this year, Zsolyomi committed another murder. His second victim, 71-year-old Rodolfo Fernández de Velasco, was found dead in the driver’s seat of his car. Zsolyomi attempted to stage the scene as an accident, but investigations revealed Velasco was strangled with the car's seat belts. Security cameras and fingerprints at the scene identified Zsolyomi as the perpetrator.
"Embodiment of Evil," According to Authorities
Miami Beach authorities have labeled Zsolyomi as an extremely dangerous criminal. Wayne Jones, the city's police chief, described him as "the embodiment of evil," warning that if not captured, "he would have continued killing over and over." Zsolyomi remains in custody as investigations into other potential crimes continue. Police urge anyone with information about the accused to contact authorities.
This case represents a turning point in Florida's application of the death penalty and could set a precedent for how the state handles undocumented immigrants charged with serious crimes.
Florida's Death Penalty and Undocumented Immigrants
What is the new Florida law regarding undocumented immigrants and the death penalty?
The new Florida law mandates the death penalty for undocumented immigrants convicted of capital offenses.
Who is Zsolt Zsolyomi?
Zsolt Zsolyomi is a 25-year-old Hungarian man accused of killing two disabled men in Miami and could be the first to face execution under Florida's new law.
Why has the new law faced criticism?
The law has faced criticism for its potential unconstitutionality and for imposing the death penalty automatically on undocumented immigrants.
What was the role of Governor Ron DeSantis in the new law?
Governor Ron DeSantis convened the special session to pass the law but has indicated he may veto it due to perceived weaknesses in the legislation.