Jacqueline Rae Barthelemy, a 36-year-old woman, was tragically killed on September 11, 2020, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Jacqueline, a mother of two and an executive chef at a local country club, was shopping at a Chevron gas station in the Cabana Colony neighborhood just before 11:00 PM when the incident occurred. During an armed robbery, Jacqueline was shot and later succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.
The robbery was carried out by two masked teenagers, Ezequiel Nunez, then 18, and Sania LaShay Williams Cox, then 19.
Ezequiel Nunez and Sania LaShay Williams Cox entered the gas station with the intent to rob it. Nunez held the gas station clerk at gunpoint, demanding cash, while Williams Cox held the door shut. During the robbery, Jacqueline, who was shopping at the time, was shot. Surveillance footage showed Jacqueline appearing to rush forward to help the clerk when she was shot by Williams Cox, followed by Nunez. The two teenagers fled the scene, leaving Jacqueline bleeding on the floor. The clerk called 911, but Jacqueline's injuries were too severe, and she died shortly after.
The investigation led to the swift arrest of Ezequiel Nunez, who was found hiding beneath a stranger's boat with his 9 mm Glock handgun discarded on a nearby roof. The shell casings matched those found at the crime scene. Nunez was charged with murder, robbery with a firearm, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. As the investigation continued, police discovered music videos of Nunez and Williams Cox flaunting large amounts of money and firearms. Williams Cox was later identified as the second masked teen and was arrested and charged with similar crimes.
In court, both Nunez and Williams Cox pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Nunez received a 30-year prison sentence, with a requirement to serve at least 20 years before being eligible for early release. Williams Cox was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The family of Jacqueline Rae Barthelemy expressed their profound grief and anger during the sentencing, highlighting the devastating impact of Jacqueline's death on their lives. Jacqueline's mother, Linda Sprouse, and her partner of 12 years, Michael Cimbrec, spoke about the irreplaceable loss of a beloved mother and partner, emphasizing the senselessness of the crime and their desire for justice.
