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‘Life sentence on our entire family:’ Judge to decide Bessman Okafor’s fate
Read full article: ‘Life sentence on our entire family:’ Judge to decide Bessman Okafor’s fateMonday, a judge will finally decide the fate of convicted murder Bessman Okafor – a decision the families of his victims have wanted for 12 years.
‘I seek justice:’ Father of murder victim speaks in Bessman Okafor Spencer hearing
Read full article: ‘I seek justice:’ Father of murder victim speaks in Bessman Okafor Spencer hearingA judge heard testimony and allowed evidence to be submitted ahead of sentencing for Bessman Okafor, the man who was convicted in the 2012 murder of Alex Zaldivar.
Jury recommends death sentence for Bessman Okafor, convicted of killing Alex Zaldivar
Read full article: Jury recommends death sentence for Bessman Okafor, convicted of killing Alex ZaldivarA jury recommended the death penalty in the latest resentencing trial of Bessman Okafor on Wednesday in Orlando.
Juror blamed for Bessman Okafor mistrial sentenced to 179 days in jail
Read full article: Juror blamed for Bessman Okafor mistrial sentenced to 179 days in jailThe juror blamed for causing a mistrial in the resentencing of convicted killer Bessman Okafor was sentenced to over 100 days in jail by a judge.
Juror faces contempt charges over mistrial in resentencing of Central Florida killer
Read full article: Juror faces contempt charges over mistrial in resentencing of Central Florida killerA juror accused of causing a mistrial at the resentencing of a convicted Central Florida killer now faces contempt charges, after facing a judge Thursday.
Mistrial declared in resentencing of man convicted of murder in Orange County
Read full article: Mistrial declared in resentencing of man convicted of murder in Orange CountyA mistrial was declared Wednesday in the resentencing of a convicted Central Florida killer who had already once been spared from a death sentence.
Jury selection begins in convicted killer Bessman Okafor’s resentencing
Read full article: Jury selection begins in convicted killer Bessman Okafor’s resentencingConvicted killer Bessman Okafor is once again going before a jury to decide if he should get the death penalty for the 2012 murder of a witness to a home invasion.
Supreme Court refuses to reinstate death penalty for man convicted of murder in Orange County
Read full article: Supreme Court refuses to reinstate death penalty for man convicted of murder in Orange CountyMoody’s office contended that the January Supreme Court decision backing away from the 2016 ruling should lead to reinstating the original death sentences instead of holding new sentencing hearings. But the Supreme Court on Wednesday said orders granting resentencing could not be undone. The Florida Supreme Court in October 2016, in the Hurst v. State decision, interpreted and applied the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The state court required unanimous jury recommendations before death sentences could be imposed and dealt with a critical issue of jurors finding what are known as “aggravating factors” that can justify death sentences. The state Supreme Court subsequently said its decision in Hurst v. State should be applied retroactively to cases going back to 2002.
Florida Supreme Court to hear arguments in Bessman Okafor case
Read full article: Florida Supreme Court to hear arguments in Bessman Okafor caseORLANDO, Fla. The state Supreme Court is expected to hear oral arguments Tuesday surrounding the case against convicted killer Bessman Okafor. The state of Florida is seeking to have the death penalty reinstated against Okafor, who was sentenced to death row in 2015 for the murder of Alex Zaldivar. Okafors case was sent back for re-sentencing after a change in the law required a unanimous jury decision. However, the state Supreme Court reversed its own ruling and said an unanimous decision was not necessary for someone to be sentenced to death. Prosecutors asked a lower court earlier this year to reinstate Okafors death sentence but was denied.