Doctor Accused of Stalking and Murdering Ex-Wife Using GPS Tracker

Lake Worth, FL, USA - In a troubling turn of events, Richard Seith, a 53-year-old ophthalmologist from Jensen Beach, is now facing serious charges following the death of his ex-wife, Cynthia Sciarrone Seith, a flight attendant for Spirit Airlines. Authorities claim that Seith tracked Cynthia using a GPS device before ambushing her outside her Lake Worth condominium. This shocking incident underscores the dangerous intersections of stalking, domestic violence, and technology.

Cynthia was discovered shot in the head shortly after parking her car outside her residence on July 15 at 3:22 a.m. According to WSVN, dashcam footage from Cynthia’s Subaru captured audio of the fatal gunshot and depicted a shadowy figure near her car, which is believed to be Seith retrieving the GPS tracker he had planted. Investigators used license plate readers and surveillance cameras to trace Seith’s orange Jeep Wrangler to the scene before and after the shooting.

The Evidence Mounts

Seith, who has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a firearm, has denied any involvement in the tragic killing. He claims he hadn’t seen Cynthia since their divorce was finalized on May 27, shortly before the murder, and is being held without bond. However, cellphone records tell a different story, placing him at key locations along the route from Martin County to Palm Beach County during the critical timeframe of the murder.

Searches of Seith’s home and clinic revealed a disturbing cache of firearms, ammunition, and even a GPS tracker he purchased in May. Alarmingly, this tracker was canceled just hours after Cynthia’s death, leading investigators to suspect a calculated premeditation in the crime. Friends of Cynthia reported her fears of Seith, describing him as dangerous and abusive—a sentiment echoed by a former girlfriend who had previously filed a stalking injunction against him.

Understanding Stalking Dynamics

This tragic case is not isolated. Stalking, particularly by former intimate partners, often correlates strongly with violence. A study from DVSN highlights that 40% of stalking victims are targeted by current or former intimate partners, and those stalked often report past violence or coercive control in the relationship. In fact, a staggering 74% of those stalked by an ex-partner have experienced violence at some point, raising alarm bells about the intersection of stalking and domestic abuse.

The statistics paint a concerning picture: women are notably more likely to be stalked by an intimate partner than men, with 59% of female victims reporting such experiences. Abusive partners who resort to stalking are generally more aggressive, employing tactics ranging from verbal threats to physical violence. Within this spectrum of behavior, GPS tracking emerges as a modern tool used to exert control and instill fear.

The Role of Technology in Stalking

In today’s world, technology can be a double-edged sword. A report from Safehome indicates that almost 10% of Americans have dealt with unauthorized GPS tracking. With stalking tactics including surveillance through GPS devices rising, it is clear that digital tools can inadvertently become weapons in abusive contexts. Common methods involve text messaging, social media harassment, and, notably, GPS tracking, which is employed in about 7% of cases—a statistic that underscores the critical need for better safety measures.

Moreover, concerns over the security of item locators like Apple’s AirTags have prompted legal scrutiny, with accusations suggesting that these products can be misused by stalkers. As stalking cases increase, calls for technology to be designed with user safety in mind have become ever more pressing.

The investigation into Richard Seith continues, and with it, the disturbing reminders of the lengths some will go to exert control over their former partners. As this case unfolds, it serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers stalking poses, especially when coupled with malicious technology. Peering deeper into this chilling narrative could illuminate paths to safety and prevention for many.