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Trevor Steven Summers: Husband given life sentence for kidnapping and raping his ex-wife

Trevor Steven Summers, 45, kept his ex-wife Alisa Mathewson, formerly Alisa Summers, captive for two days and brutally tortured and raped her

HILLSBOROUGH, FLORIDA: Trevor Steven Summers, 45, a husband from Hillsborough County, Florida, was given a life sentence on Monday, October 3, for kidnapping and raping his ex-wife Alisa Mathewson, formerly Alisa Summers. He had held her captive for two terrifying days during which he both tortured and raped her. On all 11 counts, including kidnapping, attempted murder, and sexual battery, the jury found Summers guilty. In March 2017, Summers had visited his estranged wife and their five children at their residence in Valrico. Months prior to this, she had won a court order of protection from him while filing for divorce.

According to Daily Mail, he called his teenage daughter to a window in the early morning darkness and persuaded her to help him climb through. Afterward, he entered Alisa Mathewson's bedroom. He tied her up with rope and holiday lights. Alisa described during the trial how Summers held her captive, raped her, and then pushed a pillow into her face until she passed out. Later, he forced her into her SUV and drove throughout rural Hillsborough and Manatee counties for a full day. He reportedly wanted to find a marina so he could rent a boat to take them both out to sea. A man witnessed Alisa Mathewson exit the SUV while still bound, run toward the roadside, and then be caught by Summers and placed back into the SUV during a stop at a Walgreens shop.

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He also slashed her wrist and later, he attempted to choke her. He also penned a note that can be perceived as a suicide letter, in which he assured their kids that they would be "watching from heaven." Summers reportedly slit his own throat when the sheriff's deputies discovered them but did not manage to kill himself. His former mother-in-law Donna Waryga described Summers and his behavior in court on Monday, October 3, using terms like "charismatic," "narcissistic," "controlling," and "lying." She described him as someone who traveled the nation in search of methods to become wealthy. She claimed he frequently got into trouble but was able to escape punishment.

Waryga said, “For years, Mr. Summers found himself in situation after situation. And it was never, ever his fault.” She made a reference to his involvement in an investigation into federal investment fraud for which he is presently awaiting punishment in Philadelphia. She claimed that her family has always thought of him as someone dangerous. The judge also heard from three of his kids. His now-20-year-old daughter also talked about her regret for bringing him into their home when she was a kid.

According to Law and Crime, the verdict came a month after a trial in which Alisa testified and Summers unexpectedly walked out on the court-appointed attorney. He continued to represent himself throughout the trial, allowing him to cross-examine her and their kids. Trevor Summers was told by Hillsborough Circuit Judge Christopher Sabella that he didn't mind Summers' choice to represent himself. However, Sabella added,  “I do believe the timing of your decision was born of pure evil, which is not surprising. Given the circumstances of this case, the testimony and evidence that I have heard clearly make you a monster in every stretch of the imagination.”