Thursday, March 5, 2009

4th Day Of Deliberations In Fl. Turnpike Murders


WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) ―Jury deliberations have entered its fourth day Thursday in the federal death penalty trial of two men accused of shooting an entire family execution-style along Florida's Turnpike in the 2006.

Daniel Troya and Ricardo Sanchez Jr., both 25, are charged with armed carjacking resulting in deaths, conspiracy, weapons counts and drug offenses. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have said the men were settling drug debts and stealing cocaine when they ambushed the Escobedo couple and their two young boys. Their attorneys say the family was likely killed by Mexican drug lords.

Jose Luis Escobedo, his wife, and two young sons were found shot to death on the roadside on Oct. 13, 2006. Jose Escobedo was found on his back, a gunshot to his head. His wife was found face down beside him; shot 11 times, her arms still clutched her sons' bodies. The boys were 3 and 4 years old.

Two others also are on trial for drug conspiracy and weapons charges. Danny Varela and Lianna Lee Lopez, have pleaded not guilty and face life in prison if convicted.

(Source : cbs4.com)

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