Convicted rapist, killer sentenced to death in Seminole County

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The man convicted of kidnapping a car dealership employee, and then raping and killing her, got the sentence he asked for on Monday: death.

William Davis III made that unusual request at a hearing in August.

"For the death of Fabiana Malave, the defendant is hereby sentenced to death," the judge announced in court.

Davis showed no emotion when the judge handed down the sentence for the 2009 murder of 19-year-old Malave.

"Sir, may God have mercy on your soul," the judge said.

Davis kidnapped Malave from a Longwood car dealership where she worked. He raped her and then killed her.

In court, following the sentencing, some of Malave's family members couldn't hold back their emotions.

"Rot in hell," one yelled.

Another family member yelled for him to enjoy his countdown to death.

The outbursts interrupted court briefly, and Malave's older brother was taken away by ambulance after complaining of heart trouble.

Following the sentencing family members told WFTV's Jeff Deal that they felt relief, even though they knew nothing would bring Malave back.

Family members didn't have the opportunity to speak in court Monday because they spoke at a previous hearing. Some of them said they were upset they didn't get the chance to speak again.

"Fabiana's not here to speak for herself, so I feel family should get to say something on her behalf," said Wenddy Valez, Malave's sister.
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Malave would have celebrated her 23th birthday on Christmas Day this year, family members said.

"I don't want my sister to be remembered as the girl who got kidnapped from a car lot, got raped and strangled, that's not who she was to us," said Valez.   
   

WFTV