17 November 2017 :

Lesly Jean-Phillipe, 31, Black, on death row for the brutal murder of his wife, was re-sentenced to life in prison without parole. In exchange, Jean-Phillipe agrees not to file future appears. Judge Adrian Soud said the life without parole sentence brings closure to the family of Jean-Phillipe's wife, Elkie. Jean-Phillipe was convicted of going to the home of Elkie's sister on Aug. 26, 2009, posing as a pizza deliveryman, and stabbing Elkie to death. He was convicted in 2011 (see March 17 and June 2) of murder and a jury voted 12-0 to recommend the death penalty. The direct appeal was denied, but defense lawyers filed a motion to throw out the conviction and sentence, saying Jean-Phillippe had ineffective counsel at trial. A new defense motion asked for Jean-Philippe to be re-sentenced to life in prison in exchange for an agreement that he would file no further appeals. Prosecutor Jeffrey Moody told the court the family supported the change and wanted closure.