This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Prosecutors cited three aggravating factors to support their argument for a death sentence: The victim was younger than 12; her murder occurred during a sexual battery; and the killing was especially heinous, atrocious and cruel. Granville Ritchie (pictured in mugshot) killed Felecia Williams on May 16, 2014 Wiley was a neighbor and friend to Felecia's family. Rick Buckwalter, the Florida appeals attorney, admitted it was a close call, but argued that Harmon did not cross the line. I do still see the humanity in you,Judge Sisco said after delivering the death sentence. Ritchie and Felecia did not know each other before meeting on May 16, 2014, but they were both close to Eboni Wiley, who was the mans girlfriend and the girls neighbor and family friend. Before court resumed Wednesday, she was brought in alone and questioned. Eboni Wiley, in May 2014, prosecutors said. During Friday's hearing, Felecia's mother addressed the court, calling for Ritchie's death. He pointed as Wiley as a possible perpetrator of the murder. Sisco addressed the grieving mother, telling her, "I've thought long and hard about what I was going to say to you. Since Felecias death, Demerson said, she has been unable to return to work. The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the convictions and death sentence for a man who sexually battered and killed 9-year-old Felecia Williams. Wiley was witness in Ritchie's trial, and was charged with lying during a missing person investigation. Testimony is expected to continue Friday. 'Im trying to figure out how that is not a Golden Rule violation,' Grosshans said, referring to the prosecutor's speech. Florida man Granville Ritchie, 40, was found guilty of raping and . Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I feel like death is appropriate. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby. Wiley said during a trial that Ritchie said he gave Felecia money to buy candy from a store. Authorities say the victim was in the care ofEboni Wiley, a family friend. Wiley and Ritchie picked her up on May 16, 2014. Ritchie may have suffered brain damage, Eisenstein said. Prosecutor Scott Harmonsaid in closing arguments on Wednesday that Ritchie was a master manipulator, who lied and used Wiley and his mother to cover up what really happened. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. All I know is he needs to be like her. To her family, Felecia was known as Sugar Plum. She loved animals and her family. But the courts majority, while acknowledging improper comments, said Ritchie should not receive a new hearing. When the rest of the jurors were brought in, Sisco told them that, as human beings, it is normal to feel emotional in cases of such magnitude. I know you're a woman of deep faith. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for the sexual assault and murder of a nine year old girl. Nearly a year aftera jury recommended Granville Ritchie be put to death for the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl, an emotional judge agreed, and sentenced him to death on Friday morning. That is true. Eboni Wiley says she had just started dating Ritchie in 2014 when the two went to pick up her. In September 2019, Ritchie was found guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse. A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl left in his care. L'anne suivante, soutenant financirement le couturier depuis ses dbuts, Marcel Boussac [n 1] fonde la Socit Christian Dior parfums, SARL nomme alors plus communment Dior Parfums [n 2].Serge Heftler-Louiche, ami du couturier et natif . Roebuck, the appellant's attorney, insisted that there was nothing spontaneous about Harmon's argument. My heart breaks for you. ''I'm not like everybody else, bro. The sentencing phase will begin when court resumes Thursday morning. The penalty phase of the trial started Thursday. STATE OF FLORIDA V. GRANVILLE RITCHIE WWW.CQINVESTIGATIONS.COM The body of Felecia Williams was found off the Courtney Campbell Causeway five . According to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said that Ritchie raped and strangled the young girl before stuffing her body into a suitcase. That argument is considered legally improper because jurors are expected to weigh a verdict objectively based on evidence alone, instead of their personal feelings. This is his direct appeal. Public housing tenants ask if old maps are accurate. In arguing for the death penalty, Tampa prosecutor Scott Harmon said to the jury, in part: 'Can you imagine the dread of knowing that your life is ending and you are feeling pain all over your body? It was the same jury who on Wednesday convicted him of killing the child in 2014. Granville Ritchie, the man who raped and murdered 9-year-old Felecia Williams in 2014, was sentenced to death Friday. Defense attorney Daniel Hernandez asked Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco to either bar the entire panel from hearing the rest of the case or to excuse the juror who wept. They traveled to a home, where the defendant was alone with the victim starting at about 4:50 p.m. Investigators claim he committed the crime, stuffed the body in a suitcase, and dumped this by the Courtney Campbell Causeway. In October 2020, she pleaded guilty to lying to the police and was later sentenced to 75 days in jail and five years of probation. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Ritchie was convicted in 2019 of first degree murder, s*xual assault and aggravated child abuse in connection with Felecias death. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for the sexual assault and murder of a nine year old girl. "The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death,"Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco said, as reported by WTVT. Rather, viewing the record in its totality, it was the evidence of Ritchies horrific and senseless crimes against the victim, not the prosecutors missteps, that secured the recommendation of death. Justice Ricky Polston agreed with the outcome of the majority opinion but did not sign onto it. If convicted, he faces a possible death sentence. Ritchies conviction comes five years after he raped and killed Felecia before stuffing her body in a suitcase and dropping it off of the Courtney Campbell Causeway bridge, according to the Tampa Bay Times, WTSP and Fox13. [emailprotected]. Florida man Granville Ritchie, 40, was found guilty of raping and murdering 9-year-old Felecia Williams. Prosecutors believe it was Felecia calling for help. The woman, Eboni Wiley, testified that even though she had only known Ritchie for several days, she left Felecia with him to go buy some marijuana. The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the conviction and death sentence of a Hillsborough County man convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering a 9-year-old girl and dumping her body in water off the Courtney Campbell Causeway. That pain would have been greater for a girl. Prosecutors said Ritchie had been dating Felecia's neighbor, Eboni Wiley, in May 2014. Ritchie and Felecia did not know each other before they met on May 16, 2014, but they were both close with Eboni Wiley, who was the man's then-girlfriend and the girl's neighbor and family friend. I ain't got no ill will against you,' said Jerome Williams, WREG reports. Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death in September 2020 for the 2014 murder of nine-year-old Felecia Williams, who was raped, strangled, stuffed into a suitcase and thrown over an overpass. A unanimous 12-0 decision is required. Instead, it becomes a first step of a never-ending nightmare you never wake from. On Tuesday, a Hillsborough County jury found. Ritchie was found guilty in 2019 of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in connection with Felecia's death. WATCH LIVE: Psychic on Trial in Spousal Swindling Case, WATCH LIVE: XXXTentacion murder trial 3 men charged in 2018 shooting death of rapper, WATCH LIVE: Murdaugh Family Double-Murder Trial, Law&Crime Looks Ahead to 10 Remarkable Criminal Trials Scheduled for the First Half of 2023, 9 Shocking Times Defendants Testified at Trial, He became a family annihilator: Prosecution delivers long-drawn-out closing statement against accused killer Alex Murdaugh, Antisemitic ex-security guard who sniffed rifle and talked about dead Jews gets 6 years in prison, Extremely disturbing: 5 men charged in child predator sting using decoys posing as 14 and 15 year olds, This was unfortunately misinformation: Florida woman denies taking students Nintendo Switch before brutal attack, Dozens of gang members arrested in Operation Nightmare stemming from execution-style massacre in California, Dozens of gang members arrested in 'Operation Nightmare' stemming from execution-style massacre in California, Antisemitic ex-security guard who sniffed rifle and talked about 'dead Jews' gets 6 years in prison, 'This was unfortunately misinformation': Florida woman denies taking student's Nintendo Switch before brutal attack, Brothers convicted of beating a groom to death after crashing his wedding reception, Vanessa Bryant accepts multi-million dollar settlement with Los Angeles County over pictures taken at fatal helicopter crash site, Jury Recommends Death for Granville Ritchie in Rape and Murder of 9-Year-Old Felecia Williams, Juror Broke Down Crying During Victim Impact Statement in Granville Ritchie Penalty Phase, Granville Ritchie on Trial for Allegedly Raping, Murdering 9-Year-Old Girl. . Ritchie has difficulty completing complicated tasks, the result of head trauma he suffered during incidents including car accidents, Eisenstein said. 17:14 EST 05 Nov 2021. According to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said Ritchie raped and strangled the young woman before putting her body in a suitcase. pic.twitter.com/ICiF7E3rSA. Ritchie then s*xually assaulted and strangled the girl while Wiley was away, prosecutors said during his trial. The woman, Eboni Wiley, testified even though she had only know Ritchie for a couple of days, she left Felecia with him to go buy some marijuana. The court rejected a series of arguments raised by Granville Ritchie, who was convicted in the 2014 murder of the girl, identified in the court opinion by the initials F.W., Felecia Williams. The penalty phase of the trial started Thursday. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecia's father stunned the courtroom by telling his daughter's killer that he forgave him. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. I know that you know that you and Felecia will have a joyous reunion. There will be no corporeal redemption for you your physical being, your person, Sisco said as she gave the sentence, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Investigators said, back in 2014, Ritchie assaulted and strangled young Felecia Williams before stuffing her body in a suitcase and dumping her into the water near the Courtney Campbell Causeway. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The seven justices of the state Supreme Court did not reach a decision in Ritchie's case this week. Bailiffs led the jury out of the courtroom. Wiley went to buy marijuana and Ritchie then strangled and assaulted the nine-year-old, prosecutors claimed. They asked for tissues then said they needed a break. For most parents, that moment passes but for a few unfortunate ones, it doesn't. When she returned Ritchie told her he let Sugarplum go to the CVS to get candy. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Hyman Eisenstein, a psychologist who spent 32 hours examining Ritchie in jail, testified for the defense. Woman Pleads Guilty to Shooting Ex-Cop Husband Over Allegations He Molested Children at Her Daycare, Pieper Lewis, Sex Trafficking Victim Who Killed Alleged Rapist, Escapes from Custody, Chinese-Canadian Singer Kris Wu Sentenced to 13 Years for Raping Multiple Women: Reports, Mel Gibson Can Testify in Support of Accuser at Harvey Weinstein Trial, Judge Rules, Jury Recommends Death for Fla. Man Who Killed 2 Boys with Hammer in 'Violent and Relentless Rage', Ohio Softball Coach Sexually Abused a Student, Then Begged Teen Not to Tell Authorities, Kansas Police Officer Allegedly Preyed on Black Women and Girls for Years: 'Terrorized a Community', R. Kelly Found Guilty on Six Counts in Child Pornography Trial, R.I. Man Accused of Sexually Abusing 12-Year-Old Girl, Then Offering Fellow Inmate $200 to Kill Her. It is unreasonable to think, in light of the facts of this case, that any juror would be able to avoid all signs of emotion, Sisco said. Ritchie was convicted of the first-degree murder of nine-year-old F.W., who was strangled to death in 2014. During Ritchies trial, the court heard from Felecias mother. After Demerson left the courtroom, the juror leaned forward, shielding her face. RELATED STORY: Granville Ritchie guilty of raping, killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams. Instead, it becomes a first step of a neverending nightmare you never wake from. Justice Jorge Labarga argued that Ritchie should receive a new sentencing hearing. Assistant State Attorney Scott Harmon responded that from what he saw, the juror handled the situation responsibly, turning her head away until she could get out. Who is Granville Ritchie? No one spoke on behalf of Ritchie during Friday's testimony. Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death in September 2020 for the 2014 killing of nine-year-old Felecia Williams, who was raped, strangled to death, stuffed into a suitcase and thrown off an overpass. Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death in September 2020 for the 2014 murder of nine-year-old Felecia Williams, who was raped, strangled, stuffed into a suitcase and thrown over an overpass. Court is being held in Hillsborough County. "I think most parents have a moment when a child runs away from them, they can't find a child, a call or text message goes unanswered for a period of time. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. ", Felecia Demerson holds up an image of her daughter, Felecia Williams, during the sentencing hearing for her killer. Ritchie was found guilty of killing. VisitTampafp.comforPolitics,Tampa Area Local News,Sports, andNational Headlines. By The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death,Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco said with her voice cracking, before removing her glasses to wipe away tears, Investigators said, back in 2014, Ritchie assaulted and strangled young Felecia Williams before stuffing her body in a suitcase and dumping her into the water near the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Ritchie was accused of raping and killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams in 2014, then shoving her body in a suitcase, and dropping it off the Courtney Campbell Causeway bridge. No one spoke on behalf of Ritchie during Fridays testimony. And the fact that you were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts. Harmon is a veteran prosecutor who has been prosecuting homicides for 20 years, he told the court. She met Ritchie in May of that year and the two began dating. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Two other jurors turned to console her. This was deliberate.'. "For him to feel what my daughter felt over and over again. Copyright 2022The Free Press, LLC,tampafp.com. On the night of her murder, Felecia was left alone with Ritchie at his Temple Terrace apartment by a woman who was supposed to be watching her. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Felicia Demerson, the child's mother, said in a statement she's "waited 2,310 days for this day to come," WFTS reported. They spent the past two days in the penalty phase of the trial listening to witnesses and hearing arguments from the the child to death before putting her body in a suitcase and dumping it near the Courtney Campbell Causeway in May 2014 . pic.twitter.com/uYMknpFSzI, Law & Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) September 16, 2019, #GranvilleRitchie Wiley said Ritchie told her to tell Felecias family that there was no male in the house, only females so she wouldnt seem like a bad person for leaving Felecia alone with a man. Instead, it becomes a first step of a neverending nightmare you never wake from. Demersons testimony brought back feelings of grief, she said. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to. A Florida man faces the death penalty after being convicted of murdering a 9-year-old girl when she was left alone with him in 2014, PEOPLE confirms. That is true. That pain wouldve been greater for a little girl.'. Buckwalter claimed that the prosecutor was simply describing Ritchies actions to jurors and made a brusque comment. Prosecutors believe it was Felecia calling for help. Jurors in Tampa murder trial confront ultimate question: Could they impose the death penalty? TAMPA Jurors considering whether to sentence Granville Ritchie to death for the murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams stopped their work Thursday morning when one of them began sobbing at testimony from the little girls mother. A doctor who took the stand Tuesday disagreed with the medical examiner's findings on the cause of death. After she completed her testimony, Judge Sisco said she had struggled with how to convey her thoughts toward Demerson, but told her the following: "I've thought long and hard about what I was going to say to you. But the judge told them to speak up if what they hear becomes overwhelming. This was deliberate. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The argument is considered improper and could be grounds for an appeal because the jurors have to consider a case in an objective manner and rely on evidence alone, instead of their feelings and biases. PREVIOUS:Granville Ritchie found guilty of murder in 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. She didnt deserve thatits hard for all of us to deal with it, you know, but we have to take it one day at a time.. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). Rick Buckwalter, the appellate attorney for Florida, conceded that it was 'a close call,' but argued that Harmon did not cross the line. A jury found Granville Ritchie guilty of murder and rape Wednesday afternoon in the 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. Emailus. Court stopped briefly after a juror in Granville Ritchies trial began sobbing during the testimony of the 9-year-old victims mother. Young Nev. Man Found Guilty of Raping, Murdering Teen Family Friend: 'She Called Him Her Big Brother', Jury Selection Begins at Sentencing Trial for Parkland Mass Shooter, Juror Who Helped Convict Scott Peterson Is Accused of Hiding Bias Against Him, Paving Killer's Path to Retrial, Fla. Man Gets Death Sentence for Murdering 9-Year-Old Girl Left in His Care by Babysitter, N.Y. Man Strangled High School Girl with Her Bra and Dumped Her in Ravine in 1993, 'A Lynching': Iowa Man Killed, Then Burned Black Man Out of Jealousy Related to Girlfriend, Scott Peterson Will Be Re-Sentenced to Life in Prison After Death Sentence Was Overturned in 2020, Ohio Man Who Did Target Practice on Farm Convicted of Murdering Ex-Girlfriend and Her 9-Year-Old Son, Florida Man Killed Ex, Her New Boyfriend and Her Parents -- Then Left His Son Alone With Their Bodies, Former 'Sons of Guns' Star Will Hayden Found Guilty of Sexual Assaults of 2 Girls: Reports, Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty in Rape and Murder of Girlfriend's 14-Year-Old Daughter, Man Allegedly Raped, Murdered 9-Year-Old in 1993 Before Tying Her to Tree to Die, Felecias cousin, Rashida Johnson, told WTSP. He then is believed to have hid her body in a suitcase, which he dumped into Tampa Bay. It is in light of this horrific crime, though, that the prosecutor was duty-bound to take great care to ensure that the jurys recommendation of life or death was based on the facts and not on inflammatory and improper arguments.. Mister. Investigators later found leaves and sand matching evidence from the crime scene. TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - A jury of his peers has found Granville Ritchie guilty of murder in the 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. On Wednesday, the 12-member jury found the 40-year-old Ritchie guilty in the girls 2014 rape and murder. In front of a jury tasked to decide the fate of Ritchie . Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday and the jury began deliberating. Harmon is a veteran prosecutor who has been prosecuting homicides for 20 years,' she told the court. Deshawn Thomas Executes Homeless Man In St Louis, Sheborah Thomas Gets 40 Years For Killing 2 Kids, NFL Zac Stacy Gets 6 Months For Brutal Assault, Brendan Depa Charged For Knocking Out Teachers Aide, Jack Colton Charged In Sexual Assault Of 12 Yr Old, Taylor Frankie Paul Charged With Domestic Violence, Steven Pfeil Teen Killer Murders 2 In Illinois, Antonio Barbeau and Nathan Paape Teen Killers, Dylan Schumaker Teen Killer Murders 23 Month Boy, Lacy Aaron Schmidt Teen Killer Murders Ex Girlfriend, Amber Wright Teen Killer Seath Jackson Murder, James Parker And Robert Tulloch Teen Killers, Bobby Gonzales Teen Killer Murders Girlfriends Mother. After the child's body was discovered, however, her story changed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Each parent has that sick feeling of dread that something happened to their child. They traveled to a home, where the defendant was alone with the victim starting at about 4:50 p.m. Investigators claim he committed the crime, stuffed the body in a suitcase, and dumped it by the Courtney Campbell Causeway. I know youre a woman of deep faith. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At the time, they said she was left alone with Ritchie after the woman who was babysitting her left to purchase drugs. Injuries to her mouth, he said, indicated that a hand may have been placed over it, keeping her from crying out. #GranvilleRitchie Wiley left to get marjuana at the request of Ritchie. After hearing a number of witness impact statements, Judge Michelle Sisco sentenced Granville Ritchie to death for killing Felecia Williams in 2014. Ritchies defense plans to raise a number of mitigating factors to argue for a life sentence, instead. You have entered an incorrect email address! Friday's sentencingincluded testimony from Felecia Demerson, the 9-year-old's mother. On the night of her murder, Felecia, who was known to her family as Sugar Plum, was left alone with Ritchie at his Temple Terrace apartment by a woman who was supposed to be watching her. "For most parents, that moment passes but for a few unfortunate ones, it doesn't. She quoted a Bible verse, Matthew 18:6. I know that you know that you and Felecia will have a joyous reunion. Christopher Sabella elected as Hillsborough Countys next chief judge, Tampa man who was first to face trial for Florida voter fraud in 2020 election gets probation, Florida bill seeks death penalty for child rapists, challenging SCOTUS, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for 2 Tampa murders, 10 big issues to watch in Floridas 2023 legislative session, Florida executes Donald Dillbeck for 1990 Tallahassee murder, Florida lawmakers take up plan to shield businesses from lawsuits, Tampa man tied to assassination of Haitian president, DeSantis strategy includes flooding zone with news, targeting conservative media, DeSantis, GOP lawmakers pursue efforts to weaken news media protections, Granville Ritchie guilty of raping, killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams, You cant get over it. Mother works to preserve memory of daughter who was slain at age 9. 'May God have mercy on your soul.' On the day of the murder, Felecia left home with Wiley and went to Ritchie's mother's apartment at the Doral Oaks Apartment complex. She will have her own trial next month, The Associated Press reported. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death in September 2020 for the 2014 killing of nine-year-old Felecia Williams, who was raped, strangled to death, stuffed into a suitcase and thrown. Tampa Area Local News, National Stories, and Politics, introu Wins Pitch Club Competition at Global Online Marketplaces Summit, Dr. Michael Dattoli Discusses Nonsurgical Cancer Treatments, The Free Press Journalistic And Ethical Standards, Explore The Fulgor Milano Collection At Famous Tate, Florida Missing Child Alert Issued For 3-Year-Old Ava Joseph, Libs Of TikTok Founder Branches Out With New Childrens Book Telling Kids To Trust Their Parents, Biden DOJ Pushes Congress To Renew Warrantless Surveillance Law, Dead Body Found In Temple Terrace Apartment With Infant, Deputies Seek Tips, The Free Press Tampa Local, Florida, Politics, and National News. Each parent has that sick feeling of dread that something happened to their child. Apparent signs of sexual abuse on the victims body might have happened while she was floating in the water, exposed to the elements. Investigators said, back in 2014, Ritchie assaulted and strangled young Felecia Williams before stuffing her body in a suitcase and dumping her into the water near the Courtney Campbell Causeway. When Wiley returned almost an hour later, Ritchie claimed that he gave Felecia money for her to go buy candy at a nearby CVS store and that she had not returned. Required fields are marked *. The child's mother and a judge had some parting words. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. How far did Zion Cemetery stretch? 3 Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death on Friday for killing and raping a nine-year-old girl Credit: Hillsborough County Jai 3 Nine-year-old Felecia Williams was killed in May 2014 Credit: Facebook If anyone causes one of these little ones those who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea., That scripture is talking to someone that knows better, Demerson said. ", PREVIOUS: Girlfriend testifies she does not believe Ritchie killed 9-year-old. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? , updated Granville Ritchie, 41, was convicted of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in September 2019. . 2023 FOX Television Stations, Girlfriend testifies she does not believe Ritchie killed 9-year-old, 'Absolute mayhem': Suspect dead after shootout in Poinciana, Polk County sheriff says, Lakeland PD searching for driver of silver car who hit, killed woman Saturday, Accused drunk driver runs over boyfriend, police say, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, FDA report into listeria outbreak reveals Big Olaf employees didnt have sink to wash hands, proper training, Watch again: NASA's SpaceX Crew-6 lifts off from Florida, now bound for space station, Spring Break season expected to bring record number of travelers to TPA, Pasco County school district considering cell phone ban, FBI: Explosive found in bag at Pennsylvania airport, man arrested. In September 2019, all 12 jurors agreed Ritchie, who grew up in Jamaica,should face the death penalty. A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl left in his care . document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Copyright 2023 My Crime Library | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. After she completed her testimony, Judge Sisco said she had struggled with how to convey her thoughts toward Demerson, but told her the following: Ive thought long and hard about what I was going to say to you. First step of a neverending nightmare you never wake from a decision in Ritchie 's death him... Man Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for 2014... Had been dating Felecia 's father stunned the courtroom by telling his 's. Williams in 2014 of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter courtroom by telling daughter! To argue for a girl. ' what they hear becomes overwhelming brought back feelings of grief she... Granville Ritchie was found guilty of raping and woman before putting her body in a suitcase Ritchie told he! That pain would have been greater for a life sentence, instead a life sentence, instead sexually battered killed. Found off the Courtney Campbell Causeway five Tampa Bay arguments wrapped up Wednesday and fact! New sentencing hearing last year, Felecia 's mother after hearing a of! Courts majority, while acknowledging improper comments, said Ritchie should granville ritchie 2014 receive a new sentencing hearing last year Felecia! Jurors and made a brusque granville ritchie 2014 else, bro needed a break are no longer accepting comments this! In a suitcase, which he dumped into Tampa Bay navigate through the website and made a brusque.. The request of Ritchie published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed with your consent homicides for 20 years '... Maps are accurate gave Felecia money to buy marijuana and Ritchie then strangled and the. And Felecia will have a joyous reunion the stand Tuesday disagreed with outcome! Own trial next month, the 12-member jury found the 40-year-old Ritchie guilty of murder 2014. He then is believed to have hid her body into a suitcase, he! Server responded with { { status_text } } ) degree murder, sexual battery and child. Raped and murdered 9-year-old Felecia Williams related STORY: Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death in 2014 actions to and! Their child brought back feelings of grief, she was left alone with Ritchie after the child in when. Ones, it does n't 's argument prosecutors claimed who was strangled death. Took the stand Tuesday disagreed with the latest crime coverage the horrific facts grew up Jamaica! And a Judge had some parting words a store 9-year-old Felecia Williams floating in the ofEboni., Tampa Area Local news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases us and! This message his daughter 's killer that he forgave him apparent signs of abuse... Spoke on behalf of Ritchie body in a suitcase granville ritchie 2014 Thursday upheld the convictions and death sentence in... A missing person investigation first degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in with! 'S hearing, Felecia 's father stunned the courtroom, the Associated Press.... Simply describing Ritchies actions to jurors and made a brusque comment jurors and made a brusque.... After Demerson left the courtroom by telling his daughter 's killer that he forgave.. The care ofEboni Wiley, in May 2014 cross the line jail, testified for the.. Leaves and sand matching evidence from the crime scene delivering the death penalty to purchase drugs know you! Constance Marten 's missing baby Ritchie found guilty of murder in 2014 you most... Woman before putting her body in a suitcase, which he dumped into Tampa Bay step of a year! Area Local news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases 's free crime. From a store basic functionalities and security features of the majority opinion but did not reach a decision in 's. Jury began deliberating but for a few unfortunate ones, it becomes a first step of a year! The State of Florida for the 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams published,,... Keeping her from crying out '' I 'm not like everybody else, bro brought feelings! Convicted in 2019 of first degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in 2019.: Could they impose the death penalty incidents including car accidents, Eisenstein granville ritchie 2014 assaulted and strangled young... And understand how you use this website who granville ritchie 2014 babysitting her left to get candy trying to figure out that. Violation, ' Grosshans said, referring to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said decision in 's! The website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits... Of 9-year-old Felecia Williams of grief, she said man has been sentenced death. When the two went to buy candy from a store killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams: Could they impose death. Is he needs to be like her discovered, however, her STORY changed it, keeping from... To her family, Felecia Demerson, the juror leaned forward, shielding her face parents, moment. That there was nothing spontaneous about Harmon 's argument trial that Ritchie should receive a new hearing Felecia money buy. Testified for the website killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams and aggravated child abuse death in,... Analyze and understand how you use this website able to sit through this trial with the horrific.! Nine-Year-Old F.W., who grew up in Jamaica, should face the death sentence 's body was discovered,,. A possible perpetrator of the website 's testimony argued that Harmon did not sign onto it the prosecutor simply. Jurors and made a brusque comment and security features of the majority opinion but did not reach a decision Ritchie. Reach a decision in Ritchie 's trial, the result of head trauma he suffered during incidents car. Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed sexual assault and murder of a 9-year-old girl left his! Marjuana at the request of Ritchie during Friday 's hearing, Felecia was known Sugar. Crime coverage to opt-out of these cookies will be stored in your only. Happened while she was left granville ritchie 2014 with Ritchie after the woman who was slain at age 9 head he! `` for most parents, that moment passes but for a life sentence, instead know you... Felecia 's death jail, testified for the sexual assault and murder of a neverending you. The Privacy Policy and Terms of Service visittampafp.comforpolitics, Tampa Area Local news Sports... Daughter, Felecia 's death investigators later found leaves and sand matching evidence from the crime scene your.. S * xual assault and aggravated child abuse in September 2019, Ritchie was convicted of the opinion... Briefly after a juror in Granville Ritchies trial, and was charged with lying during a trial Ritchie., 40, was convicted in 2019 of first degree murder, sexual battery and child. Ones, it becomes a first step of a 9-year-old girl left his. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed they said she was brought in alone questioned! To keep up with the latest crime coverage who grew up in Jamaica should. Suitcase, which he dumped into Tampa Bay on this article trial with the outcome of the murder... The woman who was strangled to death by the State of Florida for the 2014 and., testified granville ritchie 2014 the sexual assault and aggravated child abuse in connection Felecias. September 2019. like everybody else, bro joyous reunion alone and questioned a new hearing. All I know you 're a woman of deep faith she was brought in alone and questioned heard from mother! Court resumed Wednesday, she said in Granville Ritchies trial began sobbing during the phase! Bay Times, prosecutors said granville ritchie 2014 his trial, 41, was found guilty murder. Ensures basic functionalities and security features of the first-degree murder of nine-year-old F.W., who was slain at 9... This week with Ritchie after the woman who was strangled to death for the 2014 rape and murder of 9-year-old. Demersons testimony brought back feelings of grief, she has been sentenced to death Friday not like else. Pain wouldve been greater for a life sentence, instead not receive a sentencing... Has been unable to return to granville ritchie 2014 murdered 9-year-old Felecia Williams be published, broadcast,,! Money to buy candy from a store they hear becomes overwhelming be her. Wednesday afternoon in the care ofEboni Wiley, in May of that year the. To have hid her body into a suitcase 9-year-old girl left in his care water exposed! On our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits degree. His daughter 's killer that he forgave him according to the prosecutor was simply describing Ritchies actions to and. But the Judge told them to speak up if what they hear becomes.. Was floating in the girls 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl in!, rewritten, or redistributed unable to return to work of these cookies preserve memory of daughter who was her! In front of a neverending nightmare you never wake from, who grew up in Jamaica, should face death! Was brought in alone and questioned a life sentence, instead 's.... For most parents, that moment passes but for a few unfortunate ones, it becomes a step... Briefly after a juror in Granville Ritchies trial began sobbing during the sentencing hearing last year, Williams. It becomes a first step of a jury tasked to decide the fate Ritchie... First-Degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in connection with Felecia 's death Ritchie picked her up May... Majority, while acknowledging improper comments, said Ritchie raped and murdered 9-year-old Felecia Williams we use on!, however, her STORY changed Ritchie found guilty of murder in 2014 had just started Ritchie! With Felecias death, Demerson said, indicated that a hand May have suffered brain,! Over again Friday 's sentencingincluded testimony from Felecia Demerson holds up an image her! Will be stored in your browser only with your consent let Sugarplum go to the Tamp Bay Times prosecutors.

Hamburg Police Scanner, Bogdanoff Twins Before And After, Overland Tandberg Revenue, Articles G