Former Florida State Prison Warden Speaks Out

Former Florida State Prison Warden Speaks Out


see video at: http://www.fadp.org/

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Prosecutors won't pursue death penalty in Lake County murder trial


In Taveres, prosecutors decided this morning that they would not pursue the death penalty if they win a murder conviction against Richard "Slick" Solomon, accused of breaking into a Clermont home and killing a 19-year-old man for a stash of drugs.

Jury selection is underway at his hour in the trial of Solomon, 23.

He is the 1st of 3 Lake County men to face trial in the slaying of Eddie Collins, 19, who was found shot to death in his bed April 3, 2007. Assistant State Attorney Bill Gross has theorized that robbery was the likely motive for he killings.

Collins' mother, Sylvia Elaine Scott, and other family members arrived this morning for the beginning of the trial wearing T-shirts bearing his picture, but they soon changed their attire, complying with a prosecutor's request.

Prosecutors feared the shirts might taint the potential jury pool, creating a possible appellate issue if Solomon is convicted. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, armed home invasion and robbery with a firearm.

(source: Orlando Sentinel)