LANTANA, Fla. — A man accused in a deadly motel shooting in Lantana has now been sentenced to prison, years after the killing of his girlfriend, bringing closure to a case that began in 2020.
Andre Ramirez, who was previously captured after more than a year on the run, ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the death of Denecia Stephanie Seward.
Victim Found Dead Inside Motel Room
The case began on July 26, 2020, when Lantana Police responded to a 911 call at a motel along Hypoluxo Road.
Inside the room, officers found Seward suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Evidence at the scene, including multiple shell casings, indicated a violent shooting had taken place.
An autopsy later confirmed she died from a gunshot wound to the neck, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Suspect Identified and Tracked
Investigators quickly identified Ramirez as the primary suspect, determining he had rented the room where the shooting occurred.
Surveillance video showed him at the motel with Seward and later fleeing the room in the early morning hours. Witnesses told detectives he was the last person seen with her before the shooting.
Authorities used investigative tools, including license plate reader data, to track Ramirez as he fled across state lines shortly after the death.
Capture After More Than a Year on the Run
Ramirez was eventually captured more than a year after the murder and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on a second-degree murder charge.
At the time of his arrest, officials had warned he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Plea and Sentencing
Facing the possibility of life in prison, Ramirez later accepted a plea deal. Prosecutors said the agreement resulted in a conviction for a lesser charge, with a judge sentencing him to 25 years behind bars.
Court records indicate he had already been in custody for an extended period prior to sentencing, which will be credited toward his prison term.
Community Impact
Seward’s death had a lasting impact on the community and her family. She was a mother of four, and her death prompted an extensive investigation that spanned multiple states.
With Ramirez now sentenced, authorities say the case has reached a significant milestone, though the loss continues to be felt by those who knew the victim.
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