KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Mexican national accused of killing four people in Kansas and one in Missouri was found dead early Tuesday morning, the Montgomery County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office said.
Pablo Serrano-Vitorino was found alone and unresponsive in his cell at the St. Louis Justice Center at 2:02 a.m. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 3 a.m.
Serrano-Vitorino, who authorities said was in the country illegally, was charged with the murders of 36-year-old Jeremy D. Waters of Miami County, Kansas, 41-year-old Michael L. Capps, 27-year-old Clint E. Harter, 29-year-old Austin L. Harter — all three of Kansas City, Kansas, and 49-year-old Randy Nordman of Montgomery County, Missouri.
Prosecutors were seeking the death penalty.
Clint Harter's wife, Ruth Harter, gave 41 Action News the following statement:
"What was taken cannot be returned but we take comfort in this step closer to peace for all. This isn't about an evil person committing multiple cowardly acts up until his death. This is about those whose lives were prematurely and unnecessarily ended to to the failure of many and how their friends and family are coping, celebrating their legacy and moving forward. In that evil presence's death, we celebrate life."
Nordman's widow released a statement to NBC affiliate KSDK in St. Louis:
“I have mixed emotions learning of Pablo Serrano-Vitorino’s death. My life is forever changed. I will live my life frightened every day. The details of that day are burned into my memory forever. Now that Pablo is gone. I have a sense of relief because we won’t have to relive that horrific day in court. But I also will never get the opportunity to look him in the eyes and tell him what he has done to me and my family. Thank you to all that have been there for me and my family. With thoughts and prayers God bless Randy Nordman, Clint Harter, Austin Harter, Michael Capps, and Jeremy Waters."
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