STATE OF FLORIDA V. GRANVILLE RITCHIE WWW.CQINVESTIGATIONS.COM The body of Felecia Williams was found off the Courtney Campbell Causeway five . This was deliberate.'. The seven justices of the state Supreme Court did not reach a decision in Ritchie's case this week. . Ritchie was convicted of the first-degree murder of nine-year-old F.W., who was strangled to death in 2014. Justice Jorge Labarga argued that Ritchie should receive a new sentencing hearing. During Ritchies trial, the court heard from Felecias mother. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. "May God have mercy on your soul, Mr. Ritchie," Judge. ", PREVIOUS: Girlfriend testifies she does not believe Ritchie killed 9-year-old. She takes medication for depression. A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl left in his care . Initially, Wiley told police that Felecia ran away, the Associated Press reported. "The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death," Sisco said in court on Friday. 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. A doctor who took the stand Tuesday disagreed with the medical examiner's findings on the cause of death. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? PREVIOUS:Granville Ritchie found guilty of murder in 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. I ain't got no ill will against you,' said Jerome Williams, WREG reports. Youll get a remembrance of Tampa Bay residents weve lost, including heartwarming and amusing details about their lives, every Tuesday. All I know is he needs to be like her.. Ritchie faces the death penalty. Ritchie was convicted in 2019 of first degree murder, s*xual assault and aggravated child abuse in connection with Felecias death. According to Ritchie's appellate attorney Rachel Roebuck, Harmon's impassioned speech violated what is known in the legal profession as the Golden Rule, which is an argument that persuades jurors to put themselves in the place of the victim when considering a verdict, reported Fox 13. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These cookies do not store any personal information. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. 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. This is as tough as it gets, Sisco said. As the states case continued, the jury was presented with photos showing Felecias injuries as they were during the first phase of the trial. Granville Ritchie would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death. 'He wrote out this argument, he gave it to colleagues, I guarantee you, and tested it. Rick Buckwalter, the Florida appeals attorney, admitted it was a close call, but argued that Harmon did not cross the line. Eboni Wiley says she had just started dating Ritchie in 2014 when the two went to pick up her. A unanimous 12-0 decision is required. And the fact that you were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. 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. The girl's body was found washed up on a shoreline a day after she had been left alone with Ritchie. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to. Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com Wiley was witness in Ritchie's trial, and was charged with lying during a missing person investigation. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. When Wiley returned nearly an hour later, Ritchie claimed that he gave Felecia money to go buy candy at a nearby CVS store and she had not returned. She quoted a Bible verse, Matthew 18:6. She explained that she recently suffered a personal loss. Florida man Granville Ritchie, 40, was found guilty of raping and . Wiley and Ritchie picked her up on May 16, 2014. Support journalism byclicking here to ourGiveSendGoor sign up for ourfree newsletter by clicking here. Still, she said, she can put her feelings aside and continue hearing the case. Buckwalter claimed that the prosecutor was merely describing for the jurors Ritchie's actions and made an offhand remark. "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. During the trial, Ritchies girlfriend testified that Ritchie asked to use her car. More than six years after the child's death, Ritchie was sentenced with the death penalty on Friday, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Granville Ritchie found guilty of murder in 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams, '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. I feel like death is appropriate. It was the same jury who on Wednesday convicted him of killing the child in 2014. A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl left in his care. "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. 10:20 EST 05 Nov 2021 Ritchie may have suffered brain damage, Eisenstein said. The sentencing phase will begin when court resumes Thursday morning. I think there is a good chance there was somebody pressing the arm down or kneeling on the patient for a period of time. 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. To her family, Felecia was known as Sugar Plum. She loved animals and her family. TAMPA, Fla The trial for Granville Ritchie, the man accused of raping and murdering a 9-year-old Tampa girl in May of 2014, began today. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecia's father stunned the courtroom by telling his daughter's killer that he forgave him. Court is being held in Hillsborough County. 'May God have mercy on your soul.'. Jurors in Tampa murder trial confront ultimate question: Could they impose the death penalty? I just cant believe he did that to her, Felecias cousin, Rashida Johnson, told WTSP shortly after her death. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. And the fact that you were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts. You can see proceedings in the player above. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. Granville Ritchie, 40, is charged with first-degree murder, rape and sexual battery, and aggravated child abuse. May God have mercy on your soul, Mr. Ritchie., https://www.fox13news.com/news/granville-ritchie-sentenced-to-death-for-2014-rape-murder-of-9-year-old-felecia-williams, Your email address will not be published. Wiley initially told investigators that Felecia had run away while she and Ritchie had s*x in a bedroom, but later admitted that she lied. Harmon is a veteran prosecutor who has been prosecuting homicides for 20 years,' she told the court. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The jury has to be unanimous on the death sentence. 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. Bailiffs led the jury out of the courtroom. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Demerson showed poise on the witness stand, her voice never breaking as she talked about Felecias birth, how she liked to feed ducks in the neighborhood pond, and how she sang in her church youth choir. En 1946 Christian Dior s'installe au 30, avenue Montaigne [11], l'ouverture de la boutique [12] a lieu en dcembre. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for the sexual assault and murder of a nine year old girl. pic.twitter.com/K1mmbzLM7b, Law & Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) September 25, 2019. ", Seven passengers rushed to hospital after 'severe turbulence' on flight, Gabby Petito's family claim cop knew Laundrie was threat in lawsuit update, Jury inspect eerie Murdaugh murder scene where mom & son were executed, US Navy faces being totally outgunned by China in just seven years, says expert, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death on Friday for killing and raping a nine-year-old girl, Nine-year-old Felecia Williams was killed in May 2014, Six years later, Ritchie was sentenced to death on Friday. 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. Letsgetstarted. She met Ritchie in May of that year and the two began dating. For most parents, that moment passes but for a few unfortunate ones, it doesn't. During a Florida Supreme Court hearing Thursday, Judge Jamie Grosshans closely examined Harmons comments and noted that she leaned toward the defense position. ", Felecia Demerson holds up an image of her daughter, Felecia Williams, during the sentencing hearing for her killer. 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. 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. 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. She was allowed to remain on the panel. Felecias death has affected my life, Felecia Demerson said on the stand, according to BayNews9. The penalty phase of the trial started Thursday. Instead, it becomes a first step of a never-ending nightmare you never wake from. Sisco addressed the grieving mother, telling her, "I've thought long and hard about what I was going to say to you. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Ritchie is accused in the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. The juror, a woman, wept as Felecia Demerson read a statement from the witness stand about her daughter and the devastating effects of her death. Jurors saw photos of the 9-year-old girl, all with a wide smile one of her donning a blue dress at a wedding where she served as a flower girl, another of her sitting on a couch beside her mother, and a third of her mugging for a selfie as she lies on a mattress. Ritchie then s*xually assaulted and strangled the girl while Wiley was away, prosecutors said during his trial. LIVE: Granville Ritchie, the Tampa man convicted in the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams, is expected to be formally sentenced this morning. Wiley said during a trial that Ritchie said he gave Felecia money to buy candy from a store. "For him to feel what my daughter felt over and over again. 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. 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. During jury selection two weeks ago, the woman who wept told the court she works as a kindergarten teachers aid. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. The girls body was found washed up on a shoreline a day after she had been left alone with Ritchie. Some days, I dont know whether Im coming or going, she said. Prosecutors believe it was Felecia calling for help. Friday's sentencingincluded testimony from Felecia Demerson, the 9-year-old's mother. According to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said Ritchie raped and strangled the young woman before putting her body in a suitcase. "May God have mercy on your soul, Mr. Last y. ''I'm not like everybody else, bro. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. 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. A Florida man is on trial in the alleged murder of 9-year-old Felecia Nicole Williams . According to court documents Granville Ritchie would abduct, sexually assault and murder Felecia Williams. He said she used ecstasy, and that she said it could feel like Satan was manipulating her while she was on it. Im not like everyone else, bro. "For most parents, that moment passes but for a few unfortunate ones, it doesn't. The jury recommended the death penalty. Wiley is charged in an ongoing case with allegedly providing false information to law enforcement. All I know is he needs to be like her. 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 According to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said that Ritchie raped and strangled the young girl before stuffing her body into a suitcase. A key part of the Supreme Court opinion involved whether Ritchie should receive a new sentencing hearing because of improper comments made by a prosecutor during the case. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ritchie, now 43, is an inmate at Union Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections 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. Young woman before putting her body in a suitcase, you consent to the Florida appeals attorney, it! To ourGiveSendGoor sign up for ourfree newsletter by clicking here who wept told the court works... Never wake from aggravated child abuse in connection with Felecias death down or kneeling on the patient a! The body of Felecia Williams jurors in Tampa murder trial confront ultimate question: Could they the..., during the sentencing hearing for her killer 20 years, ' said Jerome Williams, during the trial Ritchies. Said on the cause of death these cookies on your soul, Mr young before... 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