Florida Supreme Court to hear Volusia County death penalty case
Florida Supreme Court halts right to speedy trial due to backlog created by pandemicTALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to take up a Volusia County death penalty case concerning a man convicted of killing a man he thought was a drug dealer. A jury recommended in 2019 that Christian Cruz receive the death penalty after finding him guilty of kidnapping, beating and shooting Christopher Jeremy, who was 25 years old. Investigators said Cruz and Charles had been planning to rob a drug dealer who had previously lived in the apartment but moved out. Attorneys for Cruz appealed the death penalty last year. Court records show on Dec. 21, 2020, the state Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.
Woman charged in attempted kidnap of Joe Montana grandchild
Sodsai Dalzell appears in court for an arraignment Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles. Dalzell is charged with attempted kidnapping of Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana's granddaughter. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, Pool)
Defense says interrogation video shows Orlando police mistreated Markeith Loyd after arrest
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Convicted killer Markeith Loyd appeared in court Friday afternoon as a judge ruled on multiple recently filed motions, including one pertaining to a planned insanity defense. Loyd was convicted last year of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, he is awaiting trial for his second murder charge. When state experts examine Loyd, the defense will be able to video record that meeting, but despite protests from Loydโs attorney Terry Lenamon, the defense will have to provide a copy of that video to the state. Loyd was convicted of first-degree for killing Dixon in October 2019. According to Lenamon, the video shows Loyd moaning in pain and asking for medical attention but instead of helping him, officers mocked and laughed at him.