30 June 2023 :
(June 29, 2023) - Death sentences for Reynaldo Figueroa-Sanabria overturned
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously upheld the convictions of Reynaldo Figueroa-Sanabria in the stabbing deaths of Germana Morin and John Travlos in April 2013 but tossed out his death sentences and ordered new sentencing proceedings.
Figueroa-Sanabria worked as a handyman for the victims and was accused of stealing jewelry while committing the murder.
Figueroa-Sanabria was ultimately sentenced to death for the slayings, but the Supreme Court on Thursday found flaws related to the defendant representing himself during what is known as the penalty phase of the trial.
The issue involved Figueroa-Sanabria not wanting to present "mitigation" evidence, which can include such things as details about defendants’ backgrounds that are intended to prevent death sentences.
Thursday’s ruling said a circuit judge informed Figueroa-Sanabria that mitigation evidence would be presented if he was represented by an attorney.
Figueroa-Sanabria went on to defend himself for most of the penalty phase. But the Supreme Court said the judge had erred and that Figueroa-Sanabria deserved another sentencing proceeding.
