Judge sentences Mark Sievers to death for the murder of his wife

A last-minute plea to prevent a death sentence. Mark Sievers fought for his life Friday before Judge Bruce Kyle sentenced him to death for orchestrating his wife Teresa’s murder.

Moving forward in the worst of circumstances.

“Our focus now is to go on to take care of the girls, give them the love and support that they need,” said Teresa’s mother, Mary Ann Groves, and brother, Patrick Tottenham in a news conference.

State Attorney’s Office holds a news conference giving statement following sentencing.

Dr. Teresa Sievers’ mother and brother said they just knew the judge would sentence her husband, Mark, to death for planning her murder.

“Justice has been served. And as a friend of ours told us, Teresa took down three guys that took her from us. She’s been with us the whole time. And she’ll be with us always,” Tottenham said.

It’s Teresa’s legacy they hope people remember, not her death.

“I always knew Teresa was going to reach the masses in helping people, but I just didn’t know it was going to be this way. But I know she’s still helping people, from above,” Groves said.

Judge Kyle took into account multiple factors including aggravated charges and the fact the Sievers had no previous criminal record.

Judge said in his decision, “I judge people’s actions. Not their souls. If I’m wrong may God have mercy on both of us.” #Sievers

— Anika Hope (@AnikaHopeTV) January 3, 2020

It’s an important step in justice for a murdered Bonita Springs doctor, Teresa Sievers. We saw her family leaving the courtroom Friday looking heartbroken with tears in their eyes.

Sievers, 51, was in court on Friday for an informal hearing, giving Kyle one last chance to hear from the state and the defense, and also from Sievers.

Sievers did speak in court to defend himself one last time, but said he did not feel remorse for something he had nothing to do with and that Teresa was his “soulmate.” He said they’d be reunited in heaven.