MARK DEAN SCHWAB - SUCCESSIVE MOTION TO VACATE SENTENCE OR STAY EXECUTION

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN

AND FOR BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO. 91-7249-CF-A

STATE OF FLORIDA, CAPITAL CASE

EXECUTION SCHEDULED

Plaintiff, JULY 1, 2008

6:00 P.M.

v.

MARK DEAN SCHWAB,

Defendant

______________________/

SUCCESSIVE MOTION TO VACATE SENTENCE OR STAY EXECUTION

Mark Dean Schwab, by undersigned counsel, files this motion to vacate his

sentence of death pursuant to Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.851, or stay execution. This is a

successive motion filed under Rule 3.851(c)(2). A warrant has been signed and

execution is scheduled for the week of June 30th, 2008.

The defendant was convicted of first degree murder and capital sexual battery

after a nonjury trial and sentenced to death on July 1, 1992. The judgment and sentence

were affirmed on direct appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. Schwab v. State, 636 So.2d

3 (Fla. 1994) cert. denied 513 U.S. 950, 115 S.Ct. 364 (1994). Thereafter, Schwab filed

an original motion for postconviction relief, the denial of which was affirmed in Schwab

v. State, 814 So.2d 402 (Fla. 2002). The denial of Schwab=s federal petition for a writ of

habeas corpus was affirmed in Schwab v. Crosby, 451 F.3d 1308 (2006) cert. denied 127

S.Ct. 1126 (Mem), 166 L.Ed.2d 897. The State previously filed a memorandum on July

26, 2007 titled AThe Issues Raised in Prior Proceedings,@ which accurately quotes the

appellate courts= description of the issues which were raised on direct appeal, in state

postconviction proceedings and on federal review, and their disposition. Mr. Schwab

filed a successive motion to vacate on August 15, 2007. In it he raised two issues

challenging the constitutionality of Florida’s lethal injection procedure and raising the

claim that newly discovered mitigation evidence of neurological brain damage made his

sentence of death unreliable. The postconviction court denied relief. On November 1,

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2007, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the denial of all relief. Schwab v. State, No.

SC07-1603 (November 1, 2007). On November 9, 2007, Mr. Schwab filed another

motion for post-conviction relief based on newly discovered evidence regarding

mitigation and a claim addressing Florida’s method of execution. Relief was denied on

January 24th, 2008, by the Florida Supreme Court. Prior to the ruling, however, the

United States Supreme Court granted Mr. Schwab a stay of execution on November 15th,

2007.

This motion is predicated on the recent United States Supreme Court decision in

Baze v. Rees and the evidence supporting the claims that Florida’s procedures for

carrying out executions by lethal injection create a “substantial risk of serious harm”.

Baze v. Rees, Slip Op. at 10-11 (Opinion of Roberts, C.J.) The witness information is

furnished on a witness list which is being filed simultaneously with this motion. These

witnesses will be available to testify under oath. The relief sought is an order vacating the

sentence of death, or a stay of execution, or such other relief as this Court may deem

appropriate.

CLAIM I

THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT’S DECISION IN BAZE V. REES

SUPERCEEDED THE STANDARD OF REVIEW RELIED UPON BY FLORIDA

COURTS IN REJECECTING EVIDENCE THAT CLEARLY REVEALS THAT

FLORIDA’S LETHAL INJECTION EXECUTION PROCEDURES CREATES A

SUBSTANTIAL RISK OF SERIOUS HARM AND THUS VIOLATES THE

EIGHTH AND FOURTEENTH AMENDMENTS AND CORRESPONDING

PROVISIONS OF THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION.

I. The Baze Decision

On April 16, 2008, the United States Supreme Court issued its plurality opinion in

Baze v. Rees, No. 07-5439, (April 16, 2008). The Supreme Court in Baze attempted to

define the standard applicable to method of execution cases. Due to the nature of the

Baze opinion, no clear standard was affirmatively adopted by a majority of the Court. In

fact, four standards emerged from the various opinions with only two having at least

three justices joining. In an opinion by Chief Justice Roberts, joined by Justices Kennedy

and Alito, the three members of the Court proposed that the proper standard should be a

“substantial risk of serious harm”. Baze v. Rees, Slip Op. at 10-11 (Opinion of Roberts,

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C.J.)(hereinafter “Baze decision”). Further, this three-justice opinion requires an

additional showing by a “condemned prisoner” for a stay of execution of a comparison

between the challenged execution procedures and “known and available alternatives”. Id.

at 22. Three other Justices, Breyer, Ginsburg and Souter, proposed a standard that

requires a showing of an “untoward, readily avoidable risk of inflicting severe and

unnecessary pain”. Baze v. Rees, Slip Op. at 11 (Ginsburg, J., dissenting); Id., at 1

(Breyer, J., concurring).

The Standards announced in Baze squarely conflict with the standard relied upon

by the Florida Supreme Court in the January 24th, 2008, opinion in which it reviewed Mr.

Schwab’s claim under an “inherent cruelty” standard. In fact, the United States Supreme

Court explicitly rejected the “unnecessary risk” standard also announced by the Florida

Supreme Court. The Chief Justice’s opinion is perhaps the one to be adopted by the

lower courts. This opinion explains the standard which should be applied by the lower

courts:

Our cases recognize that subjecting individuals to a risk of future harm-not simply

actually inflicting pain-can qualify as cruel and unusual punishment. To establish

that such exposure violates the Eighth Amendment, however, the conditions

presenting the risk must be “sure or very likely to cause serious illness and

needless suffering,” and give rise to “sufficiently imminent dangers.” … We have

explained that to prevail on such a claim there must be a “substantial risk of

serious harm,” an “objectively intolerable risk of harm” that prevents prison

officials from pleading that they were “subjectively blameless for purposes of the

Eighth Amendment.

Baze v. Rees, Slip Op. at 10-11 (Opinion of Roberts, C.J.)

Additionally, the United States Supreme Court now requires an additional

evidentiary showing for Mr. Schwab in order to obtain a stay of execution. The Supreme

Court now requires that Mr. Schwab proffer alternatives that effectively address a

substantial risk of serious harm. Further, the Court stated that “the alternative procedure

must be feasible, readily implemented, and in fact significantly reduce a substantial risk

of severe pain.” Baze v. Rees, Slip Op. at 13.

Based on Florida’s prior experience with lethal injection and documentary

evidence concerning the Florida Department of Corrections’ current training program, as

discussed below, Florida’s lethal injection execution procedures create a substantial risk

of serious harm.

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II. Florida Department of Corrections Execution Training

On December 13, 2006, the execution of Angel Diaz created concerns whether

Florida’s lethal injection protocols were being adequately implemented by the Florida

Department of Corrections. As a result, then Governor Jeb Bush created the Governor’s

Commission on the Administration of Lethal Injection to review the method in which the

lethal injection protocols are administered by the Department of Corrections (“DOC”)

and to make findings and recommendations as to how administration of the procedures

and protocols can be revised. As found by the Governor’s Commission on

Administration of Lethal Injection (“GCALI”) in its final report, inadequate training was

a major contributing factor leading to the events of the Diaz execution. To reduce the

risk of these events recurring, GCALI determined that better and proper training of the

DOC execution team was required. (exhibit 3) The DOC, pursuant to the newly revised

protocols of May, 2007, conducted several training sessions for the execution team.

These initial training sessions included both the DOC execution team members and

observers from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (“FDLE”)(exhibit 4).

As previously noted before this Court, Mr. Schwab obtained the services of Janine

Arvizu, a certified quality auditor, to review the protocols and session notes. After a

review of the notes taken during the mock executions, it was determined that two of the

five July 2007 mock executions resulted in failed exercises.1 This was an error rate of

40%. This continued level of training would result in a probability of eight failed

“exercises” for every twenty practice executions and sixteen failed exercises for every

forty practice executions. This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 1a.

As a result of the Lightbourne litigation, the DOC revised their protocols which

were effective August 1, 2007. The execution process remained the same except for the

inclusion of an extra step to “assess consciousness” just prior to the injection of the

second chemical. Using these revised protocols, the DOC conducted seven mock

executions. (exhibit 4) Again, based on these training session notes, it was determined

that two of the seven August 2007 mock executions resulted in failed exercises. This is a

1 The definition of a “failed exercise” for the purposes of this analysis has several key aspects. First, a

failure does not encompass an exercise where the error or errors would result in “some risk of pain”, Baze,

at 8, or an “isolated mishap”. Id. at 11. A failed exercise would encompass a substantial error where an

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29% error rate. This continued level of training would result in a probability of six failed

exercises for every twenty practice executions and twelve failed exercises for every forty

practice executions. These August training notes were not addressed in Mr. Schwab’s

prior motion for relief. This is shown in exhibit 14,Table 1b.

Combining July and August, there were twelve trials in which four were failed

exercises. This is a 33% error rate with a probability of seven failed exercises for every

twenty practice executions and thirteen failed exercises for every forty practice

executions. This combined analysis is shown in exhibit 14, Table 1c.

On May 27th, 2008, Mr. Schwab filed a renewed records request for the DOC

training session notes for the period between September, 2007, to the present. This Court

granted the motion and the DOC records were received on June 16, 2008. These records

indicate that between September, 2007 and May, 2008, the DOC conducted thirty

training exercises. Again, after review of these records, Ms. Arvizu found significant

training failures. (exhibit 8). The records indicated that nine of the thirty exercises were

failures resulting in an error rate of 30%.

III. Prior Florida Executions

Objectively, the data from the DOC training sessions and data obtained from

Florida’s prior twenty lethal injection executions are relevant to show a substantial risk of

harm. In Baze, the Court distinguished between two types of error:

In terms of our present Eighth Amendment analysis, such a situation-unlike an

“innocent misadventure,” -would demonstrate an “objectively intolerable risk of

harm” that officials may not ignore. In other words, an isolated mishap alone

does not give rise to an Eighth Amendment violation, precisely because such an

event, while regrettable, does not suggest cruelty, or that the procedure at issue

gives rise to a “substantial risk of serious harm.”

Baze, Slip Op. at 11-12 (citations omitted, emphasis added).

This objective analysis based on the data discussed infra establish that these errors are not

“isolated” mishaps but, instead, reoccurring errors in both training and past executions.

Florida’s prior lethal injection execution data were collected in order to focus on

three major areas of concern 1) technical issues, 2) duration issues, and 3) myoclonic

Eighth Amendment violation would be presented or where the error shows objective evidence that the

achievement of significant learning objectives were not obtained.

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observation issues. Specifically, the data set to be included involved the executions by

lethal injection conducted in Florida between 2000 and 2006.

a. Florida Technical Issues

Investigation reports conducted by the medical examiner provided the basis for

the data. The only data available were for seventeen of the twenty lethal injection

executions conducted during this time period. These reports were reviewed for technical

anomalies which included 1) irregular IV placements, along with evidence of iatrogenic

manipulation,2 2) surgical incisions for IV access, 3) recent multiple needle puncture

marks indicating failure to gain IV access at the initial site, and 4) one instance indicating

subcutaneous IV insertion. Out of the seventeen executions for which data were

available, six post-execution investigative reports found technical anomalies, or in

probability terms, a 35% error rate with an expected total of fourteen technical anomalies

after Florida executes forty individuals by lethal injection. This is shown in exhibit 14,

Table 2.

The existence of past technical anomalies and the high probability (or certainty)

of their occurrence in the future implicate deviations in the execution mechanics and

show that due to inadequate training, the execution team is routinely incapable of finding

proper IV access without several attempts. While the argument can be made that such

problems occur in a clinical setting, the fact that the DOC fails 35% of the time indicates

a high level of failure due to inadequate training.

Under a Baze analysis, these data establish that Florida is “subjecting individuals

to a risk of future harm”. Id. at 10. The Baze decision discussed in great length this issue

of proper IV placement, the issue that lead to the events of the Diaz execution. Baze, Slip

Op. at 15. The Baze Court discussed Kentucky’s training procedure in this area:

Moreover, these IV team members, along with the rest of the execution team,

participate in at least 10 practice sessions per year. These sessions, required by the

written protocol, encompass a complete walk-through of the execution

procedures, including the siting of IV catheters into volunteers.

Baze, Slip Op. at 16 (record citation omitted, emphasis added).

2 “Iatrogenic” is defined as being “induced inadvertently by a physician or surgeon or by medical

treatment.” MERRIAM-WEBSTER MEDICAL DICTIONARY (2005 Ed.).

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Kentucky trains the IV team by siting the lines into a person. Florida does not,

even though improper IV placement was major cause of the problems during the Diaz

execution. Florida’s substandard training of the technical team members responsible for

gaining IV access create conditions that present a risk of harm which is “sure or very

likely to cause serious illness and needless suffering,” and give rise to “sufficiently

imminent dangers.” Id. at 10-11.

b. Florida Duration Issues

Relevant to the Baze standard is the amount of time that elapses from the start of

the lethal injection chemical sequence until death. Evidence about the mechanics of

lethal injection and the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of the chemicals

was obtained from the Lightbourne record through the testimony of the state’s expert Dr.

Dershwitz. (exhibit 1)

Based on this evidence, the normal duration of an execution by lethal injection

should last no more than eleven minutes. Compared to the duration of prior executions in

Florida, ten out of nineteen, or 53%, of Florida’s lethal injection executions exceeded this

time parameter. Further, this trend will continue and after twenty more executions (for a

total of forty), there is a statistical certainty that twenty-one executions will exceed the

constitutional duration limit. The mean duration for these executions is 13.8 minutes.

(exhibit 11) This is illustrated in exhibit 14, Table 3a.

Applying a t test, where the null hypothesis is true, shows that 83% of Florida’s

future executions will take longer than the eleven minute parameter established through

Dr. Dershwitz’s testimony. These findings show that 34% of future executions will take

between 13.79 and 20.12 minutes and 16% of future executions will take more than 20.12

minutes. Finally, the top 25% of Florida’s future executions will take more seventeen

minutes. (exhibit 11) Exhibit 14, Table 3b shows the t test and results.

These data are relevant to a Baze analysis in several respects. First, the execution

duration parameter is based on the scientific testimony of Dr. Dershwitz. The foundation

of this testimony is the pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of the three

drugs used in Florida and the weight and volume of their administration. According to

this testimony, an execution should take no longer than eleven minutes. Clearly, this is

not the case in Florida since a majority of past executions exceeded this parameter. This

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means that these drugs are being “maladministered” as understood by the Baze Court. It

is more probable than not that this error rate is due to the improper administration of the

chemicals because of the 35% technical error rate, an error that featured prominently

during the Diaz execution. Since there is a statistical correlation between the training

session error rates and past lethal injection error rates, there is no doubt that these errors

will continue.

Second, the Baze Court also recognized the notion of “needless suffering” as part

of the Court’s Eighth Amendment jurisprudence. See id. at 10-11. The touchstone of

“needless suffering” is the mechanics of a particular method of execution, See id. at 8,

which were established by Dr. Dershwitz. Thus the high duration error rate in past

executions objectively shows a “substantial risk” of “unnecessary suffering”.

Third, the choice by Florida to use a large dose of sodium pentathol, as opposed

to the smaller doses used by other states, appears to prolong an execution rather than

hasten death.3 This is again supported by the testimony of Dr. Dershwitz concerning the

pharmacokinetic properties of sodium pentothal which slow the circulatory and

respiratory systems.4 This leads to a troubling conclusion concerning the “proper

administration of the first drug”. Baze, Slip. Op. at 5. Since there are no clinical studies

with this amount of sodium pentothal, the definition of a “proper administration” can

only be based on the pharmacokinetic properties of the first drug. This, however, creates

a conflict: either the testimony of Dr. Dershwitz is wrong or the drug is being improperly

administered. In other words, “we know not what we do”, or we know what to do but

cannot do it right.

c. Florida Myoclonic or Other Observable Movements

The last area of concern involves witness observations during past lethal

injections of certain involuntary movements, termed myoclonus, by the prisoner. This

term as used here includes spasms, convulsions or other involuntary movements

witnessed during the injection of the lethal chemicals. For the prior twenty lethal

3 This issue is fully developed in part III, infra.

4 See exhibit 6. It should be noted that when discussing the pharmacokinetics of the three drugs, the

sodium pentothal reaction time is measured from the start of administration as opposed to the completion of

administration for the other two drugs. See Baze, at 6.

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injection executions in Florida, seven, or 35%, had observable myoclonic events. (exhibit

11) This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 4.

Based on the evidence contained in Lightbourne, these events should not occur

during executions by lethal injections. These data show that 35% of Florida’s prior

executions include either complications due to the pharmacological properties of the

chemicals or inadequate training of the DOC execution team.

Under a Baze analysis, myoclonic observations are relevant for several reasons.

First, the propriety of using pancuronuim bromide was debated by the Baze litigants. The

Baze Court found its use proper:

First, it prevents involuntary physical movements during unconsciousness that

may accompany the injection of potassium chloride. The Commonwealth has an

interest in preserving the dignity of the procedure, especially where convulsions

or seizures could be misperceived as signs of consciousness or distress. Second,

pancuronium stops respiration, hastening death. Kentucky's decision to include

the drug does not offend the Eighth Amendment.

Baze, Slip Op. at 19 (record cite omitted, emphasis added).

While the Baze Court found the state’s interest compelling, Florida’s myoclonic error rate

disputes this finding.

Second, the myoclonosis observation is evidence that the DOC is not properly

administering the chemicals. If properly administered, the pancuronium bromide should

prevent involuntary physical movements according to the testimony of Dr. Dershwitz.

Since his testimony is the only definition of “proper administration” on the record, then it

is clear that Florida has not met this standard 35% of the time in the past.

Third, this again raises the issue of the “proper administration” of sodium

pentothal. The large dose of sodium pentothal greatly reduces the rate of circulation.

Based on the data, this dose inhibits the progress and efficacy of the pancuronium

bromide. This would result in a failures to prevent involuntary movements and hasten

death.

d. Florida Combined Data

Taken together, the data presented above reveals that 40% of Florida’s prior lethal

injection executions had at least two shared areas of concern implicating the Eighth

Amendment. Six executions had at least two anomalies. Two executions had all three

present (one of which was the execution of Angel Diaz). These results rebut any

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argument that the errors are “isolated” since 40% of Florida executions show two or more

errors. (exhibit 11) This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 5.

The combined Florida data is relevant to a Baze analysis. The proportion of

anomalies that occurred during the reported training period discussed above was 33%.

The proportion of executions with two or more anomalies that occurred was 40%. Based

on the evidence presented with this motion (see exhibit 11), one of Mr. Schwab’s experts

calculated whether the difference between these two proportions is statistically

significant.

This expert found that it is reasonable to assume (in this case with 98% certainty)

that the number of anomalies that will occur in actual executions will be not be

significantly lower or higher in the future real executions than the 33% that was observed

in the training exercises. (see attachment 11) Based on the data analysis, the expert’s

conclusion is that there is a significant (and thus legally relevant) relationship between

the DOC training error rate and the combined error rate for past executions. Id.

Thus, under a Baze analysis, Florida’s current procedure for executions by lethal

injection creates a “substantial risk of serious harm” by providing data that proves an

“objectively intolerable risk of harm.”5 Florida’s prior lethal injection procedures created

a substantial risk of serious harm that culminated in the events of the Diaz execution.

Based on the above objective analysis, it is clear that the DOC has not significantly

reduced this risk. As the Baze Court stated: “subjecting individuals to a risk of future

harm-not simply actually inflicting pain-can qualify as cruel and unusual punishment.”

Id. at 10. This is the situation in Florida.

e. The Additional Consciousness Assesment

The only major difference for this analysis between the May 2007 protocols and

the August 2007 protocols is the addition of a consciousness assessment between the

injection of the first and second chemicals. The Florida Supreme Court relied upon this

added step heavily in its Lightbourne opinion.

However, under a “step error analysis” this addition does not decrease the error

rate. As with any process, each step of a process is dependent upon the prior step being

5 It should be noted that in statistics terminology, a “significant relationship” supports evidence for

hypothesis. “Proves” is a legal term applying this evidence.

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successfully completed. The number of steps and the accuracy at each step are relational

in determining the risk of error in any process. Thus there is a statistical relationship at

every step of the process and the more steps there are, a cumulative risk of error based on

the number of steps. From a statistical point of view, this only increases the level of risk.

Under the assumption that there are twenty-five steps from insertion of a

periphery IV access line up to, but not including, the injection of the second drug (with

no consciousness assessment), the probability of success per step can be calculated using

three different accuracy values of .95, .97, and .99. When the DOC adds a single step to

the process, this statistical example shows a reduction in the probability of success.

Number of Steps 95% accuracy 97% accuracy 99% accuracy

26 26% 45% 77%

25 28% 47% 78%

A similar example is shown from the data in section III(a)(2) below with the

analysis of Ohio’s error rates. After the execution of Joseph Clark (#21) on May 2, 2006,

that featured problems with gaining and maintaining IV access, Ohio added additional

steps to assess the IV lines after the first and second chemicals were injected. Instead of

lowering the error rates, they increased. For all Ohio executions up to Joseph Clark, there

was a technical error rate of 45%, a duration error rate of 50% and a myoclonic error rate

of 14%. The executions after the additional steps were added had a technical error rate of

60%, a duration error rate of 80% and myoclonic error rate of 20%.

These data support the hypothesis that Ohio did not adequately assess the

problems illustrated by the Clark execution including such factors as the IV cannulae size

and type, the adequacy of the pre-execution medical exam or the adequacy of the IV team

training. Instead, Ohio opted to add an additional step that most probably relied upon

inadequate factors, such as inadequately trained IV team members, to correct the

problem.

There is no evidence that the Florida DOC currently trains for assessing

consciousness in a manner that would significantly impact the statistical relationship

between the current DOC error rate and the prior execution error rate. Furthermore, the

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high DOC training error rate supports the hypothesis that the success of this extra step to

reduce errors still relies upon poorly training personnel. As such, Florida will fare no

better than Ohio in this regard.

III. Comparative Analysis

Relevant to this issue is a comparative analysis mandated by the Baze Court’s

plurality opinion, see Baze, Slip Op. at 22, and that any comparison by this court is a

finding of fact rather than a conclusion of law.

a. Ohio and Lethal Injection

Florida and Ohio use similar methods for execution by lethal injection.6 Like

Florida, Ohio has also experienced recent problems with lethal injection executions.7

Problems with IV access were well documented, leading to revisions in Ohio’s protocols.

Errors still occurred, however, during attempts to gain IV access during subsequent

executions. The Ohio data included all information available for the twenty-six

executions by lethal injection from 1999 to 2007.

1.Ohio Technical Issues

Technical issues for Ohio were gathered from data contained in the execution logs

prepared by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC). This

information was corroborated from other sources. Out of the twenty-five executions for

which data was available, twelve executions had technical anomalies resulting in a 48%

error rate. Using a probability formulation, there will be an expected total of twenty-four

technical anomalies after Ohio executes fifty individuals by lethal injection. This is

shown in exhibit 14, Table 6.

Ohio’s recent history of lethal injection executions was plagued by technical

errors. Ohio’s DRC recognized this issue in June, 2006, and attempted to address

problems with gaining proper IV access after the execution of Joseph Clark (#21). As

shown by the data, however, these problems continue to persist (executions 22,25,26).

2. Ohio Duration Issues

6 See fn.9.

7 For example, on May 2, 2006, the execution of Joseph Clark took an “unprecedented amount of time” to

effectuate death. Due to a failure to gain proper IV access, Clark’s execution lasted fifty-three minutes.

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Ohio execution duration issue data were collected from the execution logs created

by the DRC and pertained to the time from the start of the chemical injection process to

the time that death was pronounced. The expected execution duration was again

calculated from the affidavits and testimony of Dr. Dershwitz pertaining to an injection of

two grams of thiopental sodium and 100 milliequivalents of potassium chloride.

This analysis shows that the period from 1999 to May of 2006, Ohio’s mean

execution time was 8.6 minutes.8 Using the data provided by Dr. Dershwitz with a +/-

time of one minute, the mean is 2.6 minutes above the expected execution duration.

Also, during this period, ten out of twenty of Ohio’s lethal injection executions exceeded

the time parameter. This is a 50% execution duration error rate with an expected twentyfive

executions having duration errors after Ohio conducts a total of fifty executions. This

is shown in exhibit 14, Table 7a.

During the period from July 2006 to 2007, Ohio conducted five executions.9 Four

of these five executions exceeded the execution duration resulting in an 80% error rate.

This is shown in exhibit 1, Table 7b. One can reasonably conclude from this and the data

in Table 6 that Ohio’s revised protocols did not prevent error but instead increased its

occurrence.10

Combining the data during this period (from Table 7a and Table 7b), finds that

fourteen executions by lethal injection out of the twenty-five, or 56%, for which data was

available, exceeded the established time parameters.

3. Ohio Myoclonic or Other Observable Movements

Myoclonic data for Ohio were collected from witness observations during

executions by lethal injection. For the twenty-six executions by lethal injection in Ohio,

only four had reported evidence of myoclonic movements, a 15% error rate with an

expected eight executions having observable myoclonic events during the injection

sequence out of fifty executions in Ohio. This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 8.

4. Ohio Combined Data

8 The analysis of the Ohio data was divided because the chemical injection procedure was changed after the

Joseph Clark execution. Beginning with the Rocky Barton execution in July, 2006, two separate sixty

second saline flushes and assessments were added in lieu of the previous 20mL saline flush. No other

significant changes were made.

9 The longer time for this flush and assessment replacement was added into the execution duration

originally calculated from Dr. Dershwitz’s testimony and sworn statements.

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The combined data presented above reveals that like Florida, 40% of Ohio’s prior

lethal injection executions had at least two shared areas of concern implicating the Eighth

Amendment. Seven executions had at least two anomalies. Three executions had all

three present (one of which was the execution of Joseph Clark). This is shown in exhibit

14, Table 9.

b. Georgia and Lethal Injection

Georgia has also experienced problems with lethal injection executions since the

state first used this method back in 2001. Like Florida and Ohio, Georgia uses the same

three chemicals has had persistent problems with gaining proper IV access.11

Data collection for Georgia was done using information gathered primarily from

the Alderman v. Donald proceedings, a federal §1983 challenge in the United States

District Court for the Northern District of Georgia which concluded in May of 2008.12

These data included all information available from Georgia lethal injection executions

10 See section II(e) above for a complete discussion.

11 Since 2000, Georgia has adopted three different lethal injection protocols. The original execution

protocols became effective in May of 2000 with revisions in September of 2002 and June of 2007.

Georgia’s chemical weights are different in some respects to Florida and Ohio. First, similar to Ohio,

Georgia uses two grams of thiopental sodium. Next, Georgia uses only 50 mg of pancuronium bromide

compared to the 100 mg used by Florida and Ohio. Lastly, where Florida uses 240 milliequivalents of

potassium chloride and Ohio relies on a lower amount of 100 milliequivalents of potassium chloride,

Georgia utilizes 120 milliequivalents of potassium chloride. Like Florida and Ohio, Georgia injects saline

after the administration of the first two drugs. Ohio and Georgia, unlike Florida, also ends the chemical

sequence with an injection of saline.

Also different is the injection delivery process, specifically, the syringe volumes used for the

injection sequence. Florida utilizes eight total volume 60cc (ml) syringes. Syringes 1 and 2 inject the

sodium pentothal. Syringe 3 is a saline solution. Syringes 4 and 5 inject the pancuronium bromide.

Syringe 6 is again saline. Finally syringes 7 and 8 inject the potassium chloride. In Ohio, syringes 1 and 2

each inject a volume of 40cc of sodium pentothal. Syringe 3 is a 20cc of saline flush. Syringes 4 and 5

each inject a volume of 25cc of pancuronium bromide. Syringe 6 is another 20cc of saline flush. Syringe 7

is a 50cc injection of the potassium chloride. Finally, syringe 8 is a 20cc saline flush. Georgia uses seven

total volume 60cc syringes. Syringes 1 and 1a each inject the sodium pentothal. Syringe 2 (the third in the

sequence), is a 60cc saline flush. Syringe 3 delivers the pancuronium bromide. Syringe 4 is another saline

flush. Syringe 5 is the potassium chloride. Finally, syringe 6 (the seventh in the sequence) is a saline flush.

It should be noted that the Georgia 2002 and 2007 protocols are similar with respect to the

injection process. The original 2000 protocols appear to be different. They also are vague as to the

volumes used for each chmical. However, based on testimony given in the State v. Nance hearings held on

April 30th and July 30th, 2002, the injection process appears the same.

For example, during the execution of Jose High in November of 2001, the medical technicians had

difficulty establishing IVs in both his arms. While IV access was established in High’s left hand, the

technicians were unable to establish an IV line in the right arms, hand or foot. As a result, technicians had

to perform the much more complicated procedure of establishing a central line in his neck. Jose High’s

execution, however, was not a solitary occurance. In fact, Georgia’s first four lethal injection executions

all had problems with establishing proper IV access.

12 Alderman v. Donald, Case No. 1:07-CV-1474-BBM (N.D. Atlanta).

15

from 2001 to 2007 during which time seventeen executions by lethal injection were

conducted.

1. Georgia Technical Issues

Technical issues for Georgia were gathered from data contained in the medical

examiner reports and the execution logs maintained by the Georgia Department of

Corrections (GDOC). Technical issues data were available for all seventeen executions

in this area in which thirteen had technical anomalies resulting in a 76% error rate with an

expected total of 30 technical anomalies after Georgia executes forty individuals by lethal

injection. This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 10.

This is a substantial error rate that appears to have gone unrecognized and thus

uncorrected. The reason why Georgia has such a high technical error rate, even though

the IV team consists of two nurses, is most likely a result of the training schedule which

does not require periodic sessions.13

Further supporting this data are the initial reports about the June 6, 2008,

execution of Curtis Osborne. According to press accounts, the IV team took thirty-five

minutes to find a suitable vein. This is consistent with Georgia’s high technical error rate

(76%) and our probability calculation for future executions.

2. Georgia Duration Issues

Georgia execution duration data were collected from the execution logs

maintained by the GDOC. The relevant Georgia information pertained to the start of the

chemical injection process to the time that death was pronounced. The expected

execution duration was calculated from the affidavits and testimony of Dr. Dershwitz

specific to the chemical weight and volume used in Georgia.

Data was available for fifteen of the seventeen executions conducted from 2001 to

2007. Georgia’s mean execution time was 10.3 minutes. Based on the evidence

provided by Dr. Dershwitz, the expected execution duration in Georgia is nine minutes.

Using the same +/- one minute as before, the longest execution duration should be ten

16

minutes. While the mean duration was only .3 above the expected duration, 33% of

Georgia executions, or five out of fifteen, still exceeded the duration time parameter with

an expected thirteen executions having duration errors after Georgia executes forty

individuals. This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 11.

Georgia’s duration error rate is lower than that for Florida which may be due to

the significantly lower amount of sodium pentothal. For the difference between Georgia

and Ohio, it appears that the difference may involve the chemical volume being injected.

While Georgia’s injection process should take no more than seven minutes to complete,

Ohio should take no more than four minutes. This is a difference of three minutes

whereas the difference between the two means is only 1.7 minutes.

As noted in section III(b)(2), recent Georgia executions after Baze support the

data and conclusions concerning the duration error rate. According to initital press

reports, on May 6, 2008, William Earl Lynd’s execution took seventeen minutes and the

June 4th execution of Curtis Osborne took fourteen minutes. Both executions were above

the calculated duration parameter and above Georgia’s mean execution duration of 10.3

minutes. While the term “proof” is not a statistical term, it can be said that these reports

support the conclusion concerning Georgia’s duration error rate.

3. Georgia Myoclonic or Other Observable Movements

For the seventeen total executions in Georgia by lethal injection, only four had

recorded instances of myoclonosis. This is an error rate of 24% for an expected total of

ten myoclonic errors after forty executions. This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 12.

4. Georgia Combined Data

The combined data presented above reveals that 35% of Georgia’s prior lethal

injection executions had at least two shared areas of concern implicating the Eighth

Amendment. Four executions had at least two anomalies. Two executions had all three

present. This is shown in exhibit 14, Table 13.

The combined results for Florida, Ohio and Georgia show a technical issue error

rate of 43%, a duration issue error rate of 55%, and a myoclonic issue error rate of 24%.

13 According to the testimony in Alderman, even though the protocols require only one nurse on the IV

team, Georgia in practice uses two. Order and Opinion, Alderman v. Donald, Case No. 1:07-CV-1474-

BBM, at 5.

17

In addition, the combined data show that 39% of the executions had the presence of two

or more anomalies.

Florida Ohio Georgia Florida,Ohio,Georgia

Technical Errors 35% 48% 76% 53%

Duration Errors 53% 56% 33% 49%

Myoclonic Errors 35% 15% 24% 24%

Two or More Errors 40% 40% 35% 38%

c. Mean Duration Comparison

As noted in section II above, a comparison between Florida, Ohio and Georgia is

relevant to a Baze analysis where some conclusions can be made about the

pharmacokinetics of these chemicals which have never been studied before in these

amounts. Most relevant is the sodium pentothal that seems to impact the duration of an

execution with the assumption, or hypothesis, that Florida uses 5grams of sodium

pentothal to hasten the death of an individual.

Florida uses five grams of sodium pentothal and 100 milligrams of pancuronium

bromide. The mean execution duration is 13.8 minutes. Next, Ohio uses 2 grams of

sodium pentothal and 100 milligrams of pancuronium bromide. Ohio’s most recent five

executions under the new protocols had a mean execution duration of 10.4 minutes. The

prior twenty executions in Ohio had a mean of 8.6 minutes. Georgia, which uses 2grams

of sodium pentothal and 50 milligrams of pancuronium bromide, has a mean execution

duration time of 10.3 minutes.

The data does not support Florida’s hypothesis that more sodium pentothal

hastens death. In fact the data is contrary to the hypothesis. The difference between the

Florida mean and the Georgia mean is 3.5 minutes. The difference between the Florida

mean and the Ohio mean under Ohio’s newest protocols is 3.4 minutes. The difference

between the Florida mean and the Ohio mean under the prior protocols is 5.2 minutes.

d. The Netherlands

Discussed during both Lightbourne and Baze was the Netherlands and its

experience with euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (“EAS”). (see exhbit 5) The

comparison is relevant because both practices are designed to end life and both profess to

do so in a humane manner. The Dutch study found that in EAS cases, there was a

18

technical issue error rate of 5%, a duration issue error rate of 7%, and a myoclonic issue

error rate of 4%. As noted above, Florida lethal injection executions have a technical

issue error rate of 35%, a duration issue error rate of 53%, and a myoclonic issue error

rate of 35%. Ohio lethal injection executions have a technical issue error rate of 48%, a

duration issue error rate of 56%, and a myoclonic issue error rate of 15%. Georgia lethal

injection executions have a technical issue error rate of 76%, a duration issue error rate of

33%, and a myoclonic issue error rate of 24%.While Dutch EAS practices are done in a

clinical setting, the difference between the EAS practices, Florida, Ohio and Georgia

lethal injection executions are substantial.

Florida Ohio Georgia Netherlands

Technical Errors 35% 48% 76% 5%

Duration Errors 53% 56% 33% 7%

Myoclonic Errors 35% 15% 24% 4%

IV. Comparative Analysis of the Florida and Kentucky Protocols

A comparative review of the Florida and Kentucky protocols finds that they are

not substantially similar. Based on a facial review of the protocols, Ms. Arvizu

concluded that Florida’s protocols were deficient in many important respects:

Despite the fact that the Florida procedure has the potential to function as a better

means of controlling and ensuring the acceptability of an execution, its potential

is unrealized. It suffers from a number of serious deficiencies and inconsistencies

(as identified in my letter to your attention, dated August 14, 2007) that render it

ineffective in achieving its goal of controlling the execution process to achieve an

acceptable result.

In contrast, despite the fact that the Kentucky protocol provides relatively little

detail, it addresses issues that have the potential to cause critical failure of the

execution process, but that are not addressed in the Florida procedure.

See exhibit 8.

In her report, Ms. Arvizu identifies several examples where the Florida protocols

fail to meet the standards approved by the Baze Court. Id.

Furthermore, the recently received DOC training session notes also show that the

Florida protocols are not substantially similar to the Kentucky Protocols. She states in

her report:

The problems identified through review of Florida’s training records are more

readily apparent in comparison to the relevant provisions of the Kentucky

protocol. Florida’s training records document the nature and scope of the

19

contingencies that have been addressed during training. The substantive

contingencies that have been addressed during training are largely limited to

blocked lines. During practice exercises, Florida has not addressed some of the

contingencies that have been experienced in past Florida executions or that have

the potential to compromise the execution process (e.g., execution duration of >12

minutes, or an inability to site the IV lines within more than an hour);

requirements for addressing these serious contingencies are explicitly addressed

in the Kentucky protocols.

Based on the recently received training records, Florida has not provided training

to address an inmate’s known medical problems. In contrast, the Kentucky

protocol is designed to ensure that the inmate’s recent, and potentially changing

medical and psychiatric condition is well documented in advance of the

execution.

See exhibit 8.

V. Alternatives for Florida

Under Baze, in order for Mr. Schwab to obtain a stay of execution, he must

proffer alternatives that “effectively address” a substantial risk of harm. Id. at 13. These

“alternative procedures” must be “feasible, readily implemented, and in fact significantly

reduce a severe risk of pain”. Id. Mr. Schwab proffers two alternative procedures that

must be introduced in order to effectively address the substantial risk of serious harm that

the current protocols present.

a. An Effective Training Program

Mr. Schwab has consistently argued that the current DOC training program is

inadequate. In fact, Mr. Schwab in his original records request sought to obtain any

documentation that showed that such a program exists. The effective training program

that Mr. Schwab submits is necessary is an instructional system design that includes

references to learning objectives, instructor materials, training materials, records of

training delivered, and objective evidence of any achievement of learning objectives.

As outlined in her initial report of August 14, 2007, Ms. Arvizu observed “There

is no indication that team members (presumably identified as STM-#) received training

designed specifically to address learning objectives that were developed in consideration

of their responsibilities.” (exhibit 12) Ms. Arvizu outlined some aspects of a proper

training system in this report:

[The DOC Protocol] requires that training be sufficient to ensure that all

personnel are prepared to carry out their roles. In order for any party to make a

determination that delivery of a given training curriculum has been effective in

this manner, the training should include objective evidence of which individuals

20

achieved which learning objectives. This requirement is typically satisfied

through a written examination or practical demonstration of skills. The available

records provided no indication that the training in question was either designed to

meet specific learning objectives (cognitive, affective, or psychomotor), or that

individuals demonstrated satisfactory achievement through anything other than

attendance.

Exhibit 12 at 5.

In addition her review of the trainings records which were provided revealed an

issue that creates a substantial risk of serious harm:

According to training records provided, none of the medical team members have

received training in the recently revised and approved procedure since it was

released on July 31, 2007. Such training would be a necessary prerequisite to

certifying the department’s capability.

Exhibit 12 at 5.

As a result, Ms. Arvizu concluded:

The number and nature of quality deficiencies and inconsistencies identified in

the reviewed materials lead me to conclude that the department has not

demonstrated that they have put in place the systems and controls necessary to

ensure that they can predictably and reliably perform executions by lethal

injection in accordance with their own objectives.

Id.

After reviewing additional records from the DOC, Ms. Arvizu repeated her earlier

conclusions concerning the adequacy of the DOC training program. Specific issues

concerning inadequate training concerning the effects of the chemicals were found

throughout the records. Finally, on April 1, 2008, Ms. Arvizu prepared another report for

a similar lethal injection claim. Her conclusion was:

Based on my earlier review of the DOC procedure and available training records,

I concluded that the department did not have the systems and controls necessary

to ensure that they can predictably and reliably perform executions by lethal

injection in accordance with their own objectives. Based on my review of these

additional records, my conclusion has not been altered. If I am able to obtain and

review copies of additional requested materials about the department’s training

program, I will provide additional or revised comments and conclusions, as

appropriate.

Exhibit 9 at 4.

Implementing such a procedure, a procedure contemplated by the Governor’s

Commission on Administration of Lethal Injection is feasible since such a program is

standard in all industries. In fact, it is very likely that the DOC uses such a model in

21

other areas of its operations. Since such a training program is the standard industry

model, implementation would not require a major revision to the current program but,

instead, the inclusion of several important elements into the existing procedure. Finally,

it is undisputed that proper training, a training that is up to standard, would significantly

reduce the substantial risk of pain now present under the current DOC program.

b. A Reduction in the Amount of Sodium Pentothal

Based on the data presented, there is credible evidence that the current amount of

sodium pentothal used by the DOC poses a substantial risk of serious harm. As noted by

the Baze court, Kentucky uses three grams of the sodium pentothal equivalent during the

execution process. The state has argued that since Florida uses a much higher dose, then

it more than meets the standard announced in Baze. In fact, the opposite is true. This

conclusion is based on the data for execution duration and myoclonic observations. First,

Florida’s mean execution duration is substantially greater than that for Ohio and Georgia.

Second, Florida’s myoclonic error rate is greater than that for Ohio and Georgia. Thus,

the only plausible conclusion is that the sodium pentothal is unnecessarily delaying death

and inhibiting the pancuronium bromide from reaching the target area in order to arrest

involuntary convulsions.

Reducing the amount of sodium pentothal injected during an execution would

substantially reduce the execution duration and myoclonic error rate and thus

significantly reduce the substantial risk of pain. This reduction is both feasible and can

be readily implemented since the DOC currently relies upon this drug during the

execution procedure.

VI. Conclusion

Based on the above stated grounds, Mr. Schwab respectfully requests that this

Court grant this motion.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

22

I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true copy of the foregoing Motion to Vacate

Sentence and Stay Execution has been furnished by E-mail, Fax and United States Mail,

first class postage prepaid, to all counsel of record on June 20, 2008.

/s/ Mark S. Gruber

MARK S. GRUBER

Florida Bar No. 0330541

Assistant CCC

PETER JAMES CANNON

Florida Bar No. 0109710

Capital Collateral Regional

Counsel - Middle Region

3801 Corporex Park Drive, Suite 210

Tampa, FL 33619

(813) 740-3544

Fax# (813) 740-3554

Email: GRUBER@ccmr.state.fl.us

Counsel for Mark Dean Schwab

Copies furnished to:

Honorable Charles M. Holcomb

Circuit Court Judge

Titusville Courthouse

506 South Palm Avenue

Titusville, FL 32796

Kenneth Nunnelley

Assistant Attorney General

444 Seabreeze Boulevard, 5th Floor

Daytona Beach, FL 32118-3951

Robert Wayne Holmes

Assistant State Attorney

2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Parkway, Bldg. D

Viera, FL 32940

Commission on Capital Cases

ATTN: Roger R. Maas

402 S. Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300

23

The Honorable Thomas D. Hall

Clerk, Supreme Court of Florida

ATTN: Tangy Hardy

Supreme Court Building

500 S. Duval Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1927

Child killer challenges execution

Attorney: State method could cause pain

BY JOHN A. TORRES • FLORIDA TODAY • June 21, 2008

Arguing that the state's revised execution protocol is not good enough and still may cause an inmate pain, attorneys for convicted child killer Mark Dean Schwab petitioned the court Friday to vacate his death sentence.

Schwab is scheduled to die by lethal injection at 6 p.m. July 1 for the kidnapping, rape and murder of 11-year-old Junny Rios-Martinez in 1991.

A governor-appointed task force last year recommended certain changes to the lethal injection execution method after a botched execution in 2006 caused the death of killer Angel Diaz to take twice as long as
normal.

The adopted changes are said to be similar to the method used by Kentucky. That method was approved by the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year.

But attorneys Mark Gruber and Peter Cannon, representing Capital Collateral Regional Counsel, which defends death row inmates, say data obtained last week shows that Florida's Department of Corrections continues to botch mock executions.

Schwab was hours away from being executed last November when the U.S. Supreme Court issued a stay as justices considered Kentucky's lethal injection protocol.

"These records indicate that between September 2007, and May 2008, the DOC conducted thirty training exercises," the petition reads. "The records indicated that nine of the thirty exercises were failures resulting in an error rate of 30 percent."

Department of Corrections officials said botching the mock executions was done intentionally as part of training.

"Our execution procedure says execution training should include possible contingencies including power failure, equipment failure, combative inmate, incapacity of an execution team member, etc.," wrote Department of Corrections spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger via e-mail. "Training for the unexpected is not a failed mock execution."

But Janine Arvizu, a certified quality auditor retained by Schwab, argued that there are too many irregularities in the training records to go forward with the scheduled execution.

"The number and nature of quality deficiencies and inconsistencies identified in the reviewed materials lead me to conclude that the department has not demonstrated that they have put in place the systems and controls necessary to ensure that they can predictably and reliably perform executions by lethal injection," she is quoted as saying in the defense materials.

Junny's abduction and death stunned Central Florida nearly two decades ago. Schwab was already a convicted child-rapist when he posed as a photographer interested in advancing the boy's burgeoning surfing career. When attempts to get close to the family failed, he called the child's school posing as his father and asked that Junny meet him at a baseball field after school.

He took the child to a Cocoa Beach hotel room where he raped and killed him.

A spokeswoman for State Attorney Norman Wolfinger said both Wolfinger and Assistant State Attorney Wayne Holmes were aware of Friday's filing and that it was in line with what they expected. They vowed to continue working with the Attorney General's office in the matter.

In the past, Holmes has called the continuous motions and delays "justice denied."

Contact Torres at 242-3649 or jtorres@floridatoday.com

Schwab's Attorneys File For Stay Of Execution

Lawyers Said Injection Would Cause 'Substantial Risk Of Serious Harm'

TITUSVILLE, Fla. -- The man who would be first to die when Florida resumes prisoner executions has filed new court motions to try to avoid his date with death.

Mark Dean Schwab’s execution is set for July 1.
Schwab tortured and murdered an 11-year old Cocoa boy in 1991.

Friday, just under the deadline, his state-paid attorneys made requests for a stay of execution, or to have the death sentence thrown out altogether.

Schwab’s attorneys said Florida’s lethal injection method would create a substantial risk of serious harm.

A hearing is set for Tuesday in Titusville. The Brevard County State Attorney’s office will argue against the motions.

Judge May Move Hernandez Trial Out Of Town

Michael Hernandez has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2004 murder of 14-year old Jaime Gough.

Jamie Gough was stabbed to death in the bathroom of Southwood Middle School in February, 2004.

Jun 17, 2008 8:15 am US

Judge May Move Hernandez Trial Out Of Town

Trial Delayed Until Sept. 8th

MIAMI (CBS4) ― A Miami Dade judge will hold a hearing this week on whether a South Florida teen accused of killing a classmate in a school bathroom four years ago will be able to receive a fair trial in Miami.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge John Schlesinger will listen to both sides on Wednesday during a change of venue hearing in the case of 18-year-old Michael Hernandez.

Last week Hernandez attorney Richard Rosenbaum filed a motion asking for the trial to be moved out of Miami Dade because of bias caused by heavy media coverage.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in the stabbing death of 14-year-old Jaime Gough.

Last month, jury selection was put on hold after Hernandez' attorney said he was adding expert witness, Vanessa Archer, a psychologist to their list of those of will testify. In earlier court hearings, she testified that the teen is "seriously, mentally ill". After the addition was announced, the judge granted prosecutors more time to conduct more depositions.

The trial is set to begin September 8th.

Hernandez, found to be competent to stand trial, faces life in prison without parole if convicted of killing 14-year-old Jaime Gough in the bathroom of Southwood Middle School in 2004. Gough had more than 40 stab wounds to his neck, face and hands when he was killed. Hernandez, who was also 14 at the time, reportedly confessed to the murder in a videotaped statement. He has since pleaded not guilty due to insanity.

State budget cuts weighing on scales of justice

By Joe Follick H-T CAPITAL BUREAU jfollick@earthlink.net

Published Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.
Last updated Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 3:10 a.m.

TALLAHASSEE — One of the few booming areas in these dismal economic times are courthouses, where an explosion of foreclosures are joining the sometimes mundane, sometimes volatile crush of divorces, contract disputes and criminal cases that are always increasing in Florida.

But despite the demand, budget cuts are forcing public defenders to drop cases, state attorneys to rely on more inexperienced lawyers and courts to eliminate hundreds of jobs.

State court officials earlier this year said they needed 61 new judges statewide to handle increased caseloads. Not only were those jobs not filled, circuit and appellate courts will lose 250 positions with more than 120 layoffs.

Despite Gov. Charlie Crist's high profile push to join most of the country in automatically restoring civil rights to felons released from prison, the Florida Parole Commission's budget was cut by 20 percent with a loss of 24 jobs. The commission had asked for 42 new hires to handle increased work.

Dozens of jobs in state attorney and public defender offices are being eliminated, falling most heavily on sections set aside for specific cases like sexual crimes and drug arrests.

Miami-Dade public defender Bennett Brummer said his office will decline most felony cases in order to make sure his office can adequately represent the others.

In Sarasota and Manatee counties, nearly two dozen staff positions at the State Attorney's Office and Public Defender's Office have been left vacant because of budget woes, bumping up caseloads for prosecutors and defense attorneys as they cover for their colleagues who retired or moved on to other positions.

Public Defender Elliott Metcalfe Jr. said his office could be forced to abandon the misdemeanor units, and reassign defense attorneys to felony cases, where the sanction of prison exceeds the punishment in misdemeanor cases.

On the prosecution side, the domestic violence unit in Sarasota was cut to relocate two prosecutors and two staff members to other cases. Domestic violence cases, which are time-consuming for prosecutors, are in the mix of the full misdemeanor caseload.

"I don't think the victims are getting the personal attention they were getting before," said State Attorney Earl Moreland said. "It's a difficult situation."

Lawmakers defend cuts

Statewide, the result, at best, is a longer wait in an arduous process that costs citizens more with increased fees.

"In a system that is already overburdened and slow to begin with, inevitably and everywhere across the state folks are going to be looking at more delays," said Bill Cervone, the state attorney for Gainesville and rural North Florida.

Kent Spuhler is the executive director of Florida Legal Services, a group that provides assistance to low-income residents in court. He said increased fees on applying for indigent relief and longer delays mean battered women who need a divorce to escape domestic violence may be stuck.

"If she says, 'I can't handle all of that,' then she'll stay in a vulnerable situation and her kids will stay in a vulnerable situation for violence," Spuhler said. "It's just taking people from the legal system, which is supposed to be the organized resolution of problems, and putting them back in the street for the disorganized, violent resolution of problems."

And the opportunity for state attorneys and defenders to see more profitable and calm work in private law offices may mean less experienced counsel and more turnover.

"We're not going to be able to replace them with people with the same level of experience," said Cervone of his staff. "A rape victim is, unfortunately, going to have the prospect of having to repeat the story to a second or even a third attorney as a case winds its way through court."

Florida lawmakers defend the cuts, saying judicial managers took a smaller reduction than many other parts of state government. Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, the chairman of the Senate judiciary budget commission, said with the state budget dropping nearly 10 percent from last year due to plummeting tax revenues, every state agency has to share the pain.

"It is extremely disheartening," said Crist of the complaints from judicial officials. "We do not print money. The public will not allow us to raise taxes when they're losing their jobs and businesses and homes. All we're asking is everybody in the budget to ante up, bite the bullet and share equally in the reductions."

But those in the judicial system say the cuts could backfire into higher costs to fulfill the legal requirement of providing representation for those who cannot afford it.

Courts will be forced to refer defendants to court-approved private attorneys who charge more than double the cost of public defenders, said Richard Parker, president of the Florida Public Defender Association. He said he had no immediate plans for similar cutbacks in his North Florida district that includes Gainesville.

Sen. Crist, no relation to the governor, said public defenders are angling for a lawsuit over inadequate legal representation that would force lawmakers to spend more for those offices.

"That's what this is all about," he said. "There is no need to shut down and deny access or service."

But public defenders say that when rising caseloads are combined with smaller staffs, something has to give.

For example, the 20th Judicial Circuit, which covers Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties, has already lost one public defense attorney and will also see the loss of two investigators and support staff.

Last year, the circuit handled 49,214 cases. This year, caseloads are looking as though they will top 60,000, said Delroy Blake, financial manager for the office.

"Especially in these trying economic times, we have people being charged that would have no other option than to have a lawyer appointed by the public defender," said Kathy Smith, public defender for the 20th Judicial Circuit.

"It's a constitutional office and we will continue to provide services. Without it, it's not the United States of America," she said.

Costs passed on in fees

In order to offset some of the cuts, lawmakers agreed to raise fees by almost $135 million next year according to the Florida Bar.

For example, the fee for filing an eviction will rise from $75 to $295. Increased filing fees for prosecution will rise to $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies.

The fees also increase for requests for public defenders, and indigent parents seeking appointed court attorneys will pay $50.

The use of some fees divides state attorneys as well as public defenders. Some pursue collection of the fees vigorously, others find them distasteful.

Cervone called some of the fees "almost unconscionable" when low-income Floridians are the target.

"More of us were of the view that it's getting much too close to 'cash register justice,' " Cervone said of the reliance on access to courts as a revenue source. "To try to fund things like criminal proceedings through a service fee -- it's just not going to work."

"It's making a bad situation horrible," Spuhler said. "Florida is the only state in the nation that doesn't waive fees for indigents. Unbelievably, in many parts of the state, that payment plan is a negotiation between a clerk and an indigent person. It's not flea market justice."

But Crist defended the fees, saying that they had not been adjusted for years. He said many defenders and state attorneys have effectively collected the fees and others need to try harder with credit and background checks on those who say they cannot afford to pay.

It is not only lower-income Floridians that will be affected by the cuts. All lawsuits, from residents seeking insurance payments to banks moving on with foreclosure evictions, will likely take longer.

Jay White, the incoming president of the Florida Bar, said everything from insurance companies or residents seeking to settle disputes to businesses wrangling over contracts may see their lives put on hold in courts.

"Instead of taking you six months to get that hearing, it may be three years," he said.

For the last four years, people bringing their anxiety and unanswered questions to a domestic violence court first met with Pam McLeod.

The family division case manager had already researched their criminal histories and any other cases they were involved in or to see if one of the parties was in jail.
McLeod talked with the victim, then the respondent, got a good grasp on the issues and reported all that to the judge. She often got the parties to agree to a court order before the case went before a judge.

She worked on 1,994 cases last year. But the budget cuts will eliminate her position, and a similar position in Manatee County, which streamlined the process and gave victims a way to meet with someone before the intimidating atmosphere of the courtroom.

Those who petition for injunctions against spouses or significant others often do not realize all the options available, and McLeod has referred them to counseling and treatment.

"It's going to be frustrating for litigants," said McLeod, who has 18 years of experience in the court system. "They will be here longer, they will have less attention to their questions."

Herald-Tribune staff writers Todd Ruger, Michael Scarcella and Kate Spinner contributed to this story.

Palm Beach Gardens: Peace group to hold vigil during planned execution

June 11, 2008

Members of Pax Christi Palm Beach will conduct a vigil in front of St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral, 9500 N. Military Trail, during the planned execution of Mark Dean Schwab, scheduled for 6 p.m. July 1.

The Catholic peace group opposes all state-sponsored executions. They said they concur with Florida's Catholic bishops, who released this statement in 2002: "Capital punishment contributes to the escalating atmosphere of violence in our society and undermines belief of the inherent worth and dignity of human life."

Gov. Charlie Crist set the execution date in May, after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a stay of execution for Schwab. He had originally been scheduled to die in November, but was given a reprieve while justices considered the constitutionality of lethal injection. Schwab faces death for raping and murdering an 11-year-old boy in 1991.

For more information about the protest, contact Beth Cioffoletti at shoofoolatte@gmail.com.

Schwab can see execution records

Judge allows week for review

BY JOHN A. TORRES • FLORIDA TODAY • June 14, 2008

Judge Charles Holcomb granted convicted child-killer Mark Dean Schwab's request to see the state Department of Corrections records on mock executions, but also set a one-week deadline for filing future motions.

Schwab's attorneys argued successfully this week to have access to all records pertaining to training and new lethal injection protocol that was recently approved by the Florida and U.S. Supreme Courts.

"Presumably, the defendant will argue that this is a new standard, different from that adopted by the Florida Supreme Court and presumably will attempt to demonstrate that the Florida lethal injection protocol is not substantially similar to the Kentucky protocol approved by the United States Supreme Court," Holcomb wrote in his order.

"This is a new claim to show that the Florida protocol is so below acceptable standards that it violates the Eighth Amendment."

Holcomb said the mock execution records may indeed lead to relevant evidence in making comparisons between Florida and Kentucky.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that the Kentucky lethal injection protocol was not a violation of the Eighth Amendment and did not constitute cruel or unusual punishment. Florida's methods -- revamped last year after a botched execution -- are similar.

Holcomb ordered the state to send the documents by overnight courier to Schwab's attorneys and gave them until 1 p.m. Friday to file any subsequent motions.

Schwab was convicted and sentenced to death in 1992 for the kidnapping, rape, torture and murder of 11-year-old Junny Rios-Martinez of Cocoa.

He is scheduled to die by lethal injection on July 1.

Contact Torres at 242 or e-mail jtorres@floridatoday.com.

Trial For Teen Accused Of Killing Classmate Postponed

Judge Postpones Michael Hernandez's Murder Trial Until September

POSTED: 11:20 am EDT June 3, 2008
UPDATED: 6:19 pm EDT June 3, 2008

MIAMI -- A surprise announcement of a new defense witness has caused another delay in the trial of a teenager accused of killing his classmate in 2004.

Jury selection was already under way in the trial of 18-year-old Michael Hernandez, accused of fatally stabbing 14-year-old Jamie Gough more than 40 times in a second-floor bathroom at Southwood Middle School, when the judge postponed the trial until September.

On the seventh day of jury selection, Hernandez's lawyer told the court he named psychologist Vanessa Archer, an insanity expert, as a witness for the defense. Archer was one of two court-appointed psychologists who testified Hernandez is competent to stand trial, although she found evidence of mental illness.

Hernandez has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. He rejected a prosecution offer of a plea deal that would have sent him to prison for a minimum of 50 years in exchange for a guilty plea.

During last week's competency hearing, Archer testified Hernandez was delusional and said he planned to be a serial killer. Psychologists found evidence of schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, yet she opined he is highly intelligent and able to meet the legal standard for competency, which mandates a defendant understand the legal process and understand the consequences of murder and punishment.

Judge John Schlesinger postponed the case until Sept. 8 to give state prosecutors time to depose Archer and vet her as a witness.

Prosecutors said Hernandez methodically plotted the killing, even putting Gough's name on a hit list.
Defense attorneys said they would argue in court that Hernandez was deeply affected by violent movies like "American Psycho."

In other developments Tuesday, Hernandez's attorney, Richard Rosenbaum, announced his plan to file a motion for change of venue Wednesday on the grounds that pre-trial publicity has tainted the Miami-Dade County jury pool.

The case remains under a gag order -- requested by the state and imposed by the judge last week -- forbidding lawyers and family members from speaking to the media until after the trial.

Attorney in quadruple murder case files motion to suppress interview

Suspect tied to murder case fears for life
By Sally Apgar

South Florida Sun-Sentinel
June 3, 2008
West Palm Beach

After 30 minutes of interrogation, Danny Varela, one of the men charged in connection with the 2006 slaying of an alleged cocaine dealer and his young family on the Florida Turnpike, told investigators he feared for his own safety and refused to answer any more of their questions, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office reports shows.

During the interview, Varela told investigators he was friends with the shooting victim, Luis Escobedo, and his family and had helped them get their house in Greenacres. Varela said he didn't see Escobedo the night of the shooting because he was bar hopping. He told investigators he shared a house in West Palm Beach with three of the suspects: Ricardo Sanchez Jr., Daniel Troya and Juan Guitierrez.

Then he told investigators he was scared and stopped talking.

A motion by Varela's attorney to suppress the interview was in a flurry of trial documents filed recently, including lengthy ones by the attorneys of Troya and Sanchez seeking to fight the death penalty, mostly on constitutional grounds. In February, the U.S. Attorney said it will seek the death penalty if Troya and Sanchez are convicted at trial of murder.

Investigators have said Troya and Sanchez tracked down the Escobedo family in their 1998 Jeep Cherokee as they drove south along the turnpike on Oct. 13, 2006. About 2:20 a.m., the two cars stopped near Port St. Lucie. Troya and Sanchez allegedly were at close range when they shot more than 20 rounds, killing Escobedo, 28, his wife, Yessica, 25, and their two sons, ages 3 and 4. In court documents, prosecutors alleged Troya and Sanchez murdered the Greenacres family to eliminate them as witnesses to other crimes.

On Monday, Varela's defense attorney, Robert Gershman, filed a motion to suppress that Oct. 25, 2006, interview so that his relationship with Escobedo, and the other defendants is not introduced at trial. Gershman said the interview should be disallowed because Varela was not advised of his constitutional rights until 25 minutes into the 35-minute interview.

Varela is not charged with the armed carjacking or shooting of the family. He is charged with multiple drug and weapons felonies stemming from his alleged involvement in a cocaine organization that investigators say was tied to the other suspects and Escobedo.

Varela has pleaded not guilty.

Troya and Sanchez each have been charged with multiple federal charges in connection with the four murders, armed carjacking, drug trafficking and weapons. They have each pleaded not guilty. Trial is scheduled for January.

Attorney's for Sanchez and Troya could not be reached for comment.

Sally Apgar can be reached at sapgar@sun-sentinel.com or 561-228-5506.

Judge Issues Gag Order In School Murder Trial

Classmate Michael Hernandez Will Stand Trial

New Mental Exam Ordered In Middle School Murder

MIAMI (CBS4) ― A gag order has been issued in the trial of a South Florida teen accused in the grisly murder of a classmate in a school bathroom. After listening to arguments by the state and attorneys representing several media outlets, including WFOR/Miami Herald, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge John Schlesinger issued the order saying there had been extensive pre-trial publicity surrounding the defendant 18-year old Michael Hernandez. Hernandez, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, is accused of killing 14-year old Jaime Gough in 2004. Gough had more than 40 stab wounds to his neck, face and hands when he was killed.

Hernandez, who was also 14 at the time, reportedly confessed to the murder in a video taped statement.

During Wednesday's proceedings the state also requested that potential jurors remain anonymous, but the judge denied that request ruling that only those directly involved with the case will not be able to speak to reporters once the trial begins. During the pre-trial hearing Hernandez, dressed in casual clothes and without handcuffs, sat quietly in the courtroom. When the hearing concluded, jury selection got underway.

Tuesday, a pair of court-appointed experts reported that the teen was competent to stand trial for Gough's murder despite indications of continuing mental illness. Both doctors testified that Hernandez was able to understand legal proceedings, assist his lawyer and comprehend the consequences of a first-degree murder conviction. "At this time, Mr. Hernandez is competent to proceed," said psychologist Ralph Richardson, who examined Hernandez last week. Also Tuesday, Hernandez and his attorney rejected a plea deal offered by the state of that would have sentenced the teen to 50 years in prison. If convicted at trial, Hernandez could face life in prison. During their investigation police found Hernandez's journal in which they say he wrote out a detailed plan for the murder, and had a "hit list" of other potential victims including his older sister. During Tuesday's hearing Hernandez's attorney pointed to some of his client's more recent odd behaviors; including extremely detailed and ritualistic teeth-brushing and hand-washing, and his refusal to allow jail personnel to wash his prison jumpsuits. He said Hernandez also obsessed about "characters" he created with names like "Stopper" and "Penny." During Tuesday's testimony, the court appointed psychologists said while they saw no signs of deep psychosis they did note that Hernandez exhibits symptoms of anxiety, depression and serious obsessive-compulsive disorder. Court appointed psychologist Vanessa Archer told the judge Hernandez is "seriously mentally ill" and has suffered from delusions; but she also found him highly intelligent and competent for trial.

"I think there's been a break in reality at some point for Michael Hernandez," said Archer, who also examined Hernandez in 2004. While Hernandez has generally stayed out of trouble in jail, earned a high school diploma in January and was previously been found competent for trial, the judge order this latest evaluation after the teen was placed on new medication by jail doctors. If Hernandez were found not guilty because of insanity, he would likely be committed to a state mental hospital but could be released at some future date if his mental condition improves.

Man gets life for killing parents

By David Angier

May 28, 2008 - 6:04PM

PANAMA CITY — Ricky Morris' children do not yet know he's a murderer.

"They love you," Karen Morris told her husband Wednesday in a Bay County courtroom. "They don't know you did it, and one day I'll have to tell them that, but until then, they love you."

Ricky Morris, 25, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of first-degree murder for shooting to death his parents, Raymond and Deborah Morris, in their Fountain home Feb. 3. The state had decided not to pursue the death penalty in Morris' case, so Circuit Judge Don T. Sirmons gave him the only sentence left, life in prison. Florida law does not allow for parole in Morris' case, so the sentence means Morris will die in prison.

But his family asked Sirmons to send Morris to a prison where he can receive help for his mental illness.

"The Ricky Morris that did what he did was not the same person I had children with," Karen Morris told Sirmons. "He wouldn't have done this if he wasn't mentally ill."

Morris' aunt, Cindy Morris, told the judge her brother was so determined to get Ricky Morris help for his mental conditions, he was willing to risk his life.

Raymond Morris asked a judge to send his son home with him as a condition of probation for a gun charge in 2005.

"(Raymond Morris) did say this to me several times, that ‘I would give my life to get my son the help he needs,'" Cindy Morris said. She said "the system failed" to protect her brother by not checking on Ricky Morris' progress while he was out on probation.

Ricky Morris stood by calmly as three family members went before the judge, all asking for a sentence that would provide him help.

Sirmons said he could recommend the Department of Corrections place Ricky Morris in a facility that will give him mental health treatment but said Ricky Morris will have to take some responsibility.

"No one can force you to take your medication," Sirmons told him.

Ricky Morris called 9-1-1 about 7:12 p.m. Feb. 3 to report he had shot his father, Raymond, 51, and mother, Deborah, 47. He said he also wanted to kill his brother, Raymond Morris III, but he was not home.

Raymond Morris was shot twice with a 30-30 rifle while in bed. Deborah Morris was shot once and was found on the bedroom floor.

Ricky Morris said nothing Wednesday, other than to answer the judge's questions and to tell one family member he loved him.

'Confusing' guilty verdict in teen's murder trial

BY TODD WRIGHT

A Broward teen accused of robbing and killing a Hollywood woman with a gun in 2005 was found guilty of second-degree murder without a firearm Wednesday in a verdict that confused many in the courtroom.

Demetrius Carey, then 14, was originally charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Elena Carrasco. But the jury lowered the charge after a day of deliberation following a weeklong trial filled with loose ends and circumstantial evidence.

The teen, who is now 16, faces 20 years to life in prison for the crime. Sentencing is scheduled for June 27.

''What I gathered from the verdict is that the jury doesn't think he killed this woman, but that he may have been with the person that did do it,'' said Johnny McCray Jr., one of Carey's attorneys. ``He was charged as the man who pulled the trigger and committed the crime alone. This is very confusing and disappointing.''

During the trial, Assistant State Attorney David Frankel never claimed Carey was an accomplice to the crime, but fingered him as the trigger man.

While both sides agreed the verdict wasn't what either side had anticipated, Frankel said the verdict was far from out of line.

''The jury obviously decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and believed that he didn't shoot this woman,'' he said. ``But there was enough evidence to link him to the crime and they didn't believe he wasn't involved.''

Carey's attorneys are planning to appeal the decision.

While the lawyers in the case had puzzled looks as the verdict was read, Carey held his head down and slouched his shoulders.

The teen looked over at several of his family members in the courtroom before shaking his head in disbelief as the bailiff led him away.

Meanwhile, Carrasco's stepson, Adolfo Carrasco Jr., fought back tears and hugged Frankel.

DAD DISTRAUGHT

Carrasco Jr.'s father, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, had attended every day of the trial, but could not handle the anxiety of waiting for the verdict, the son said.

Elena Carrasco was her husband's caretaker, but he has been in a nursing home since her death.

On the night she was killed, Carrasco was coming home from church and the grocery store. She was shot on her front steps.

''I think justice was done,'' Carrasco Jr. said. ``My stepmother never should have died the way she did. My father should be at home with his wife.''

Prosecutors allege that Carey followed Carrasco, 56, home from the grocery store and tried to rob her in front of her Hollywood home on Dec. 18, 2005. When she resisted, he fatally shot her, they said.

Surveillance cameras from Carrasco's apartment on the night of the killing show someone on a bicycle riding up to Carrasco's parked car and, minutes later, it shows someone riding the bike away. The video does not clearly show the suspect or a second suspect.

Frankel acknowledged that Carey's connection to the crime was mostly based on circumstantial evidence.
Carrasco's purse, for example, was found emptied about a block from where Carey lived. But neither the purse nor its contents had Carey's fingerprints.

A ski mask believed to be used in the robbery was also found near the crime scene and contained some DNA that matched Carey. But it was later found that the hat contained DNA matching that of at least five other people. Even the alleged murder weapon is shrouded in speculation, McCray argued during the trial.

Police found a revolver in Carey's house missing a single round -- Carrasco's neighbors told police a single shot was fired that night.

But experts testified during the trial that there was no scientific way to link the gun to the Carrasco slaying.

Frankel did have one piece of evidence that was difficult for Carey to overcome. The teen used Carrasco's cellphone about 14 minutes after she was murdered.

Carey later lied to police about where he found the phone and using it.

''It wasn't the strongest circumstantial evidence but you had the one fact of what was he doing with this woman's cellphone 14 minutes after the crime?'' Frankel said.

NEW INFORMATION

It wasn't until Carey took the stand Tuesday did a possible different suspect emerge.

Carey told the jury he bought the phone from a man named ''Dingo,'' who had come to his home that night. He never told the police about Dingo during his almost three years in jail because he feared retaliation for ''snitching'' on the man.

The last-minute story may have swayed jurors, Frankel said.

''I think he helped himself by taking the stand because he had a very prepared explanation for everything. He was able to convince the jury perhaps there were other people involved,'' he said. ``I don't think the defendant acted with anybody. I think he acted alone.''

Convicted killer back in court for death sentence appeal

By JAY STAPLETON Staff writer

DAYTONA BEACH -- A condemned killer who had his mouth taped shut during his 2004 trial behaved himself in court Friday, when he appeared with another effort to avoid the death penalty.

Richard England, 36, who was sentenced to die for the 2001 beating death of Howard Wetherell in Daytona Beach, wants a new trial because he claims his attorneys the first time around were ineffective.

Wetherell, 71, a Daytona Beach Planning Board member, died from a broken neck after he was repeatedly beaten with a fire poker during a robbery in his apartment.

Michael Douglas Jackson, who had moved in with Wetherell months before, is now serving a life sentence for his role in the killing. Recanting earlier statements, Jackson testified at trial he was the killer.

The slaying was described as "horrible, brutal, bone-crushing," by Circuit Judge S. James Foxman, who ordered England's mouth duct-taped shut during closing arguments because of the defendant's outbursts.

In 2006, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed England's conviction and death sentence after reviewing several claims, including England's gripe that he was denied a fair sentencing hearing because of the gagging.

In his latest appeal effort in Circuit Court, England raises a number of issues, including the claim that his trial attorneys didn't do a good job developing mental health factors during the penalty phase.

England also claims a jailhouse snitch who testified for the state has additional information about the case not yet heard.

Circuit Judge James Clayton will preside over an evidentiary hearing Aug. 20 in DeLand.

Jury selection proceeds in school murder trial

Jury selection continued Thursday in the case of Michael Hernandez, accused of killing a classmate at Southwood Middle School four years ago. Attorneys for both sides were able to eliminate more than 25 potential jurors because they had heard about the case in the media, had decided Hernandez was guilty or faced a scheduling conflict that would prevent them from attending the trial.

Circuit Judge John Schlesinger also prohibited the media from taking pictures or video of potential jurors and sealed the list of their names. The case will continue Monday.

DNA From Moon Lake Stabbing To Be Retested

By DAVID SOMMER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 30, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Long-shot DNA testing may now be all that stands in the way of Samuel Jason Derrick's execution for stabbing a Moon Lake shopkeeper more than 30 times during a June 1987 robbery.

The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a death sentence that had to be imposed a second time by Circuit Judge Stanley R. Mills after Derrick's 1988 conviction for the first-degree murder of Rama Sharma, proprietor of the old Moon Lake General Store.

Derrick, now 41, has spent about half his life on death row. The Supreme Court overturned the first death sentence that Mills imposed based on an 8-4 jury recommendation by the same panel that found Derrick guilty.

A second jury heard evidence in a second sentencing hearing before voting 7-5 in favor of the death penalty, a recommendation Mills again followed while citing the cruelty of the death Derrick inflicted on the 55-year-old shopkeeper.

On Thursday, the high court ruled that Derrick's attorneys provided competent and effective counsel during the second sentencing hearing, and upheld the death penalty.

Sharma knew Derrick and had often let him take home milk and bread on credit when Derrick was growing up, according to trial testimony. Derrick told witnesses Sharma had to die because he got a look at his killer as he was jumped while walking home after closing his store for the night.

A medical examiner testified that Sharma lived for 10 to 15 minutes after he was stabbed on a wooded path behind the store. DNA testing of a partially eaten hot dog found near the body, of a bloody piece of torn T-shirt and of scrapings from under Sharma's fingernails was inconclusive at the time.

Now, the Innocence Project, a New York-based nonprofit legal clinic that has freed 16 innocent death row inmates through the use of DNA testing, is intervening in Derrick's case.

With the blessing of prosecutors, Mills has ordered the remaining DNA evidence be shipped to a Texas laboratory, where the Innocence Project will pay to have it retested using advanced techniques.

That testing is expected to take months, said Eric Ferrero, spokesman for the Innocence Project.

During his trial, Derrick's defense hinged on an unsuccessful bid to convince jurors that his confession to detectives was coerced and that testimony from a friend who said Derrick told him about the murder was false.
The defense attempted to pin the slaying on either the friend, David Lowry, or a Moon Lake biker who goes by the name "Craze."

Assistant State Attorney Michael Halkitis, who prosecuted Derrick, said Thursday that he doubts the new DNA testing will point to a suspect other than Derrick.

Derrick has exhausted his last appeal in state court and is unlikely to raise an issue that would get the attention of a federal court, the prosecutor said.

"I don't see any federal appeals" making headway, Halkitis said.

He added, however: "Don't ask me when he's gonna get punished."

Reporter David Sommer can be reached at (727) 815-1087 or dsommer@tampatrib.com.