The murder of Stevie Febonio: South Florida's marijuana grow houses can be a deadly business

Comments (0) By Gail Shepherd Thursday, Mar 18 2010

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Alfaro, in contrast, seems to have few supporters now, apart from a loyal girlfriend who passionately defends him whenever an Internet blog or news article about the murder appears. She uses the screen name Stacy. "This case is going to fall apart when it gets to trial," she wrote on one blog. "Waste of taxpayers' money if you ask me."

A Facebook group titled "I Bet I Can Get 1 Million People to Hate Jose Alfaro" has 50 fans.

Photo courtesy of the Febonio family

Stevie Febonio with his father, Edwin, in happier times.

Photo courtesy of the Febonia family

Many called Stevie their "best friend."

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On January 11, 2010, Jose Alfaro and his public defender pleaded not guilty and asked for a jury trial. Two weeks later, prosecutors indicated they'd seek the death penalty.

A trial date has not been set, but Alfaro had a preliminary court hearing March 4. Eddie Febonio and Michael Pampillonia were there. Alfaro, mouth set in a grim line, legs shackled, and wearing a prisoner's blue-and-gray uniform, never glanced at them.

Asked if it was difficult to see Alfaro in court, Eddie Febonio said curtly: "No, it wasn't difficult. I wanted to see him."

Pampillonia felt differently. "This was a guy who came to my house, sat in my house so many times. Now when I see him, I want to kill him with my bare hands," he said.

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office documents, many of the witnesses interviewed by detectives openly worried about retribution against themselves or their families. If there was anything he hated, Alfaro said over and over, it was "a rat." They have good reason to hope Alfaro will never walk free again.