Sunday, March 16, 2008

Man indicted on first-degree murder in Cape day care killing


By JACOB OGLES
jogles@news-press.com

A grand jury indicted a Cape Coral man Thursday for first-degree murder for allegedly shooting his estranged wife at Bobbie Noonan's Child Care on Jan. 25.

Robert Dunn could face the death penalty if he is convicted of killing Christine Lozier-Dunn. In Florida, the charge carries a sentence of either life in prison or death. Prosecutors have not announced if they will seek the death penalty against Dunn.

"I'm glad he has been indicted," said Christine's mother, Kathy Lozier. "I'm glad he's behind bars."

Samantha Syoen, spokeswoman for the State Attorney's Office, said she anticipates this case will be considered for the death penalty.

"The death penalty committee typically convenes within 30 to 45 days following an indictment," she said.

State Attorney Steve Russell will have final say after hearing recommendations from the committee of prosecutors and administrators.

Cape Coral police said Dunn, who also was indicted on armed burglary and child-abuse charges, brought a gun to Bobbie Noonan's and killed Lozier-Dunn, who taught at Noonan's. Police said Lozier-Dunn was shot and killed in front of students while they were hiding with her in a bathroom.

Police arrested Dunn at the center after the shooting and booked him on a charge of first-degree murder, but the state attorney's office held off on charging him with that crime until the grand jury returned an indictment.

"Due to the scheduling of the grand jury, we had to wait to present the case to them," Russell said in a statement. "That is why a second-degree murder charge was filed at Dunn's arraignment."

Julie Deems, whose 2-year-old son Kyle was a student in Lozier-Dunn's class, said she was relieved to hear about the indictment.

"The court system needs to stick it to him as hard as they can," Deems said.

Deems organized a benefit Thursday for the Lozier family at the Pearl Lounge. The event was scheduled to last until midnight and Deems was hopeful as many as 1,000 would attend. Proceeds go to Lozier-Dunn's parents, who are raising Christine's daughter, Allyson Dunn.

Deems said she believes the court system had failed Lozier-Dunn because it failed to provide an injunction while the couple was in the process of a divorce.

Now, concerned members of the community hope appropriate measures are taken in trying Dunn.

"We hope the judicial system is successful," said Renee Dick, director for Bobbie Noonan's.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

No comments: