Florida Death Penalty: Unanimous Jury Not Required for Sentencing
Details of the Case
Bryan Riley has been charged with killing four members of a family in North Lakeland during a home invasion in September 2021. Currently, an 8-4 jury recommendation is the threshold for a judge to impose a death sentence.
History of Florida’s Death Penalty Law
Previously, a unanimous jury verdict was required for sentencing in a capital murder case. However, in January 2023, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis changed the state’s death-penalty law to allow trial judges to impose a death sentence with an 8-4 jury recommendation. The change was made after jurors refused to vote for a death sentence for Nikolas Cruz, who killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland in 2018.
The Impact of Florida’s Death Penalty Law Change on the Riley Case
In the Riley and Lobato cases, defense attorneys had asked that only a unanimous jury be allowed to recommend a death sentence due to the crimes occurring before the law changed. However, the DCA granted the state’s petition and quashed the trial court’s original ruling that a unanimous jury recommendation was needed. This means that an 8-4 verdict will be enough for a jury to recommend that the judge imposes the death penalty.
Challenges to Florida’s Death Penalty Sentencing Rules
The first appeals on Florida’s death penalty sentencing rules have reached the state Supreme Court. In May, the direct appeals of two individuals— Michael J. Jackson and Joseph Zieler—were the first to reach the Florida Supreme Court regarding the application of Florida’s 2023 capital sentencing statute.
Conclusion
The Riley case will proceed with an 8-4 verdict being enough for a jury to recommend a death sentence. However, legal challenges may still arise regarding Florida’s new death penalty sentencing rules. Ultimately, it’s important to remember the gravity of capital murder cases and ensure that justice is served for all victims and their families.
Originally Post From https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2024/07/12/man-accused-of-killing-north-lakeland-family-can-get-death-by-8-4-vote/74350511007/
Read more about this topic at
Federal Laws Providing for the Death Penalty
State by State
