A federal jury in Fort Myers, Florida has convicted Craig Austin Lang, 35, of Kyiv, Ukraine, on several charges related to the April 2018 double homicide and armed robbery of a Florida couple. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
Lang was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering with commerce, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence which resulted in death, conspiring to kill persons in a foreign country, and violating the Neutrality Act. He faces up to life in federal prison. Sentencing is set for March 27, 2026. Lang was indicted on December 4, 2019.
According to trial testimony, S.L., Jr. and D.L. were discovered dead from multiple gunshot wounds on April 10, 2018 in Estero, Florida. Investigators determined that the victims had traveled from Brooksville to Estero intending to buy firearms from an individual advertising on Armslist.com. Authorities concluded that Lang was one of two people who killed the couple during an armed robbery aimed at stealing $3,000 intended for the purchase.
Evidence showed that Lang had previously fought in Ukraine before planning to travel to Venezuela with the intention of fighting against its government. Prosecutors stated that he committed the robbery and murders as part of an effort to finance his travel plans.
Alex Zwiefelhofer, Lang’s co-defendant, was previously convicted on similar charges and received consecutive life sentences.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Lee County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation into this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Benjamin S. Winter are prosecuting.
"United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Craig Austin Lang (35, Kyiv, Ukraine) guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering with commerce, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence which resulted in death, conspiring to kill persons in a foreign country, and a violation of the Neutrality Act. Lang faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2026. Lang was indicted on December 4, 2019."
