William Vance Combass, aged 67, tragically lost his life on June 4, 2021, in Belle Glade, Florida. Combass, a respected manager at the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, was fatally shot by Felix Cabrera, an 86-year-old janitor who had worked at the cooperative for 31 years. The incident occurred after Combass informed Cabrera that he would need to clock out and not return to work.
Cabrera, who had pleaded to be allowed to work for one more year due to financial reasons, became upset when his request was denied. In a moment of anger, Cabrera pulled out a handgun and shot Combass multiple times.
The shooting was a shocking event for the community and the cooperative, where Combass had worked for nearly five decades. He was known as a devoted family man and a respected leader. Cabrera, described as an easygoing and likable janitor, quickly confessed to the killing. He was charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and is being held without bail at the Palm Beach County Jail. The cooperative expressed its horror and deep sadness over the senseless violence, and efforts are ongoing to understand what led to Cabrera's actions.
The case has drawn significant attention, with Cabrera's lawyers from the Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office suggesting that a claim of self-defense might be used. However, authorities initially described the incident as a clear case of a disgruntled employee intentionally killing his boss. The investigation revealed that Cabrera had learned about his impending termination approximately three weeks before the shooting, which may have contributed to his actions. The tragic event has highlighted the potential for workplace violence, especially in situations involving long-term employees facing termination.
Combass's death has left a profound impact on his family and the community. He is survived by his wife of nearly 31 years, Ivette, and their three children. A GoFundMe page was set up to support the education of his youngest child, Ivette, and his son, Will, who is a college senior majoring in criminology. The cooperative and the community continue to mourn the loss of a man who was deeply respected and loved by those who knew him.
