granville ritchie 2014
During a hearing in Florida Supreme Court on Thursday, Justice Jamie Grosshans closely scrutinized Harmon's remarks and signaled she was leaning towards the position of the defense. 'May God have mercy on your soul.' Ritchie instructed Wiley, who was baby sitting Felecia, to leave the home to buy marijuana. Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death in September 2020 for the 2014 killing of nine-year-old Felecia Williams, who was raped, strangled to death, stuffed into a suitcase and thrown. "The only thing I regret today is I cannot ask for his fatethat would be for him to be hung. You can see proceedings in the player above. "The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death," Sisco said in court on Friday. Later that night, Ritchie drove to the Courtney Campbell Causeway where he dumped Felecia's body into the bay. After four hours of deliberation, the jury found Ritchie guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse. And the fact that you were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts. No one spoke on behalf of Ritchie during Friday's testimony. #GranvilleRitchie Wiley left to get marjuana at the request of Ritchie. Support journalism byclicking here to ourGiveSendGoor sign up for ourfree newsletter by clicking here. Ritchie and Felecia did not know each other before they met on May 16, 2014, but they were both close with Eboni Wiley, who was the man's then-girlfriend and the girl's neighbor and family friend. Each parent has that sick feeling of dread that something happened to their child. These cookies do not store any personal information. The only thing I regret today is I cannot ask for his fatethat would be for him to be hung. The same jury will decide whether Ritchie will receive the death penalty as part of his sentencing. In September 2019, Ritchie was found guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse. pic.twitter.com/uYMknpFSzI, Law & Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) September 16, 2019, #GranvilleRitchie Wiley said Ritchie told her to tell Felecias family that there was no male in the house, only females so she wouldnt seem like a bad person for leaving Felecia alone with a man. During the trial, Ritchies girlfriend testified that Ritchie asked to use her car. In defending the death penalty, Tampa prosecutor Scott Harmon told the jury, in part: Can you imagine the fear of knowing that her life is ending and she is in pain all over her body? A unanimous 12-0 decision is required. The sentencing phase will begin when court resumes Thursday morning. By 4:30 p.m., they returned the guilty verdict. Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. If the inmate wins on appeal, he will be awarded a new sentencing trial to determine whether he is re-sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty. I wish you all of the best.. Ritchie.". Wiley said during a trial that Ritchie said he gave Felecia money to buy candy from a store. Jurors had a lot of evidence to review in the trial, which has . Youll get a remembrance of Tampa Bay residents weve lost, including heartwarming and amusing details about their lives, every Tuesday. TAMPA, Fla. -- A key witness testified Monday in the Granville Ritchie murder trial. He wrote this argument, gave it to his colleagues, I guarantee it, and tested it. Have a tip or story idea? ''I'm not like everybody else, bro. ", PREVIOUS: Girlfriend testifies she does not believe Ritchie killed 9-year-old. Court stopped briefly after a juror in Granville Ritchies trial began sobbing during the testimony of the 9-year-old victims mother. That is true. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Ritchie did poorly in school, repeating 9th grade before dropping out in 10th, jurors were told. Demerson showed poise on the witness stand, her voice never breaking as she talked about Felecias birth, how she liked to feed ducks in the neighborhood pond, and how she sang in her church youth choir. Ritchie was accused of raping and killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams in 2014, then shoving her body in a suitcase, and dropping it off the Courtney Campbell Causeway bridge. Wiley was witness in Ritchie's trial, and was charged with lying during a missing person investigation. Granville Ritchie would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death. You're a better stronger woman than I am. Harmon is a veteran prosecutor who has been prosecuting homicides for 20 years, he told the court. Sisco addressed the grieving mother, telling her, "I've thought long and hard about what I was going to say to you. In sum, we cannot say that the improper arguments precluded Ritchies jury from making a reasoned assessment based on the evidence so as to amount to a denial of due process, said the opinion shared by Chief Justice Charles Canady and Justices Alan Lawson, Carlos Muniz, John Couriel and Jamie Grosshans. . She left 9-yr-old Sugarplum with Ritchie. Wiley initially told investigators that Felecia had run away while she and Ritchie had sex in a bedroom, but she later admitted she lied. Injuries to her mouth, he said, indicated that a hand may have been placed over it, keeping her from crying out. Ritchie was convicted of the first-degree murder of nine-year-old F.W., who was strangled to death in 2014. I know that you know that you and Felecia will have a joyous reunion. After hearing a number of witness impact statements, Judge Michelle Sisco sentenced Granville Ritchie to death for killing Felecia Williams in 2014. Im not like everyone else, bro. 17:14 EST 05 Nov 2021. Hernandez expressed concern about the panels ability to make a fair decision on the death penalty. Fridays sentencingincluded testimony from Felecia Demerson, the 9-year-olds mother. I ain't got no ill will against you,' said Jerome Williams, WREG reports. He said she used ecstasy, and that she said it could feel like Satan was manipulating her while she was on it. That is true. But the courts majority, while acknowledging improper comments, said Ritchie should not receive a new hearing. I do still see the humanity in you,"Judge Sisco said after delivering the death sentence. On the night of her murder, Felecia was left alone with Ritchie at his Temple Terrace apartment by a woman who was supposed to be watching her. Open in Our App Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. That pain would have been greater for a girl. The jury has to be unanimous on the death sentence. A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl left in his care . Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for the sexual assault and murder of a nine year old girl. I think most parents have a moment when a child runs away from them, they can't find a child, a call or text message goes unanswered for a period of time. 2023 FOX Television Stations. I just cant believe he did that to her, Felecias cousin, Rashida Johnson, told WTSP shortly after her death. On Wednesday, the 12-member jury found the 40-year-old Ritchie guilty in the girl's 2014 rape and murder. She takes medication for depression. VisitTampafp.comforPolitics,Tampa Area Local News,Sports, andNational Headlines. Learn More{{/message}}. She quoted a Bible verse, Matthew 18:6. I wish you all of the best.". (FOX 13 News). If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. On the day of the murder, Felecia left home with Wiley and went to Ritchie's mother's apartment at the Doral Oaks Apartment complex. #GranvilleRitchie GUILTY on all counts 1st degree murder, Rape & Sexual Battery and Aggravated Child Abuse. During a Florida Supreme Court hearing Thursday, Judge Jamie Grosshans closely examined Harmons comments and noted that she leaned toward the defense position. This is as tough as it gets, Sisco said. After she completed her testimony, Judge Sisco said she had struggled with how to convey her thoughts toward Demerson, but told her the following: "I've thought long and hard about what I was going to say to you. No one spoke on behalf of Ritchie during Fridays testimony. Buckwalter claimed that the prosecutor was merely describing for the jurors Ritchie's actions and made an offhand remark. A Florida man faces the death penalty after being convicted of murdering a 9-year-old girl when she was left alone with him in 2014, PEOPLE confirms. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If convicted, he faces a possible death sentence. Instead, it becomes a first step of a never-ending nightmare you never wake from. Investigators later found leaves and sand matching evidence from the crime scene. In October 2020, she pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement and was later sentenced to 75 days in jail and five years of probation. Still, she said, she can put her feelings aside and continue hearing the case. Harmon is a veteran prosecutor who has been prosecuting homicides for 20 years,' she told the court. She met Ritchie in May of that year and the two began dating. the child to death before putting her body in a suitcase and dumping it near the Courtney Campbell Causeway in May 2014 . I know youre a woman of deep faith. Ritchie was convicted in 2019 of first degree murder, s*xual assault and aggravated child abuse in connection with Felecias death. Copyright 2022The Free Press, LLC,tampafp.com. The evidence in this case established that Ritchie committed a horrific murder, and I fully concur in the majoritys decision to affirm his conviction for first-degree murder, Labarga wrote. Granville Ritchie, 35, of this suburb northeast of Tampa also was charged with capital sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in the death of Felecia Williams, police Chief Kenneth Albano. "Important to be was the fact that there was a pattern, where it wasn't a typical neck strangulation, where you got a lot of injury to all of the muscles up here in the neck," explained Dr. William Anderson, a pathologist. The woman, Eboni Wiley, testified even though she had only know Ritchie for a couple of days, she left Felecia with him to go buy some marijuana. I feel like death is appropriate. Emailus. Wiley and Ritchie picked her up on May 16, 2014. Granville Ritchie, 41, was convicted of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in September 2019. . You have entered an incorrect email address! Court is being held in Hillsborough County. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? All rights reserved. During Ritchies trial, the court heard from Felecias mother. Im trying to figure out how thats not a violation of the Golden Rule, she said Grosshans, referring to the prosecutors speech. After Demerson left the courtroom, the juror leaned forward, shielding her face. Jurors saw photos of the 9-year-old girl, all with a wide smile one of her donning a blue dress at a wedding where she served as a flower girl, another of her sitting on a couch beside her mother, and a third of her mugging for a selfie as she lies on a mattress. Demersons testimony brought back feelings of grief, she said. Granville Ritchie (pictured in mugshot) killed Felecia Williams on May 16, 2014 Wiley was a neighbor and friend to Felecia's family. During Friday's hearing, Felecia's mother addressed the court, calling for Ritchie's death. Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death in September 2020 for the 2014 murder of nine-year-old Felecia Williams, who was raped, strangled, stuffed into a suitcase and thrown over an overpass. [. (Florida child s*x killer who tortured, raped and murdered girl, 9, is appealing his death ) Wiki, Bio, Age,Death,Family,Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Quick Facts, Read Also: Who was Mak Parhar?Flat Earther and COVID-19 denier Mak Parhar found dead, Congress Is Investigating McKinsey Over Its Role in the Opioid Crisis, Alyssa Milano: Giving birth to my first child reminded me of being sexually assaulted. ", Felecia Demerson holds up an image of her daughter, Felecia Williams, during the sentencing hearing for her killer. TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - A jury of his peers has found Granville Ritchie guilty of murder in the 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. Some days, I dont know whether Im coming or going, she said. "That would indicate to me that a force was applied across the upper chest. . A convicted child rapist and murderer is appealing his death sentence in Florida arguing that the prosecutor violated the so-called Golden Rule by asking the jury to imagine his victims suffering. Ritchies conviction comes five years after he raped and killed Felecia before stuffing her body in a suitcase and dropping it off of the Courtney Campbell Causeway bridge, according to the Tampa Bay Times, WTSP and Fox13. "I am here to bury this Jamaican today," she said during the hearing. 'May God have mercy on your soul.'. ", Seven passengers rushed to hospital after 'severe turbulence' on flight, Gabby Petito's family claim cop knew Laundrie was threat in lawsuit update, Jury inspect eerie Murdaugh murder scene where mom & son were executed, US Navy faces being totally outgunned by China in just seven years, says expert, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death on Friday for killing and raping a nine-year-old girl, Nine-year-old Felecia Williams was killed in May 2014, Six years later, Ritchie was sentenced to death on Friday. Ritchies attorney could not be reached for comment. UPDATED 4:30 PM ET Sep. 25, 2019. The duo were watching the girl one day, and Ritchie took Felecia to his mother's apartment, the Associated Press reported. She will have her own trial next month, The Associated Press reported. The jury voted unanimously to recommend a death sentence for the murder, and the trial court sentenced Ritchie to death. The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the convictions and death sentence for a man who sexually battered and killed 9-year-old Felecia Williams. This is his direct appeal. If anyone causes one of these little ones those who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea., That scripture is talking to someone that knows better, Demerson said. [emailprotected]. Prosecutors said Ritchie had been dating Felecia's neighbor, Eboni Wiley, in May 2014. Felecia Demerson holds up an image of her daughter, Felecia Williams, during the sentencing hearing for her killer. As the states case continued, the jury was presented with photos showing Felecias injuries as they were during the first phase of the trial. STATE OF FLORIDA V. GRANVILLE RITCHIE WWW.CQINVESTIGATIONS.COM The body of Felecia Williams was found off the Courtney Campbell Causeway five . Granville Ritchie, 41, was sentenced to death in September 2020 for the 2014 killing of nine-year-old Felecia Williams, who was raped, strangled to death, stuffed into a suitcase and thrown off an overpass. On Tuesday, a Hillsborough County jury found Granville Ritchie guilty of killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams on May 16, 2014. Eboni Wiley says she had just started dating Ritchie in 2014 when the two went to pick up her. Granville Ritchie was found guilty of killing Williams in Sept. 2019. . I am here to bury this Jamaican today, she said during the hearing. The Golden Rule argument refers to an argument put forth by the prosecution in a jury trial, where jurors are persuaded to consider themselves in the place of the victim in reaching a verdict that they would prefer the defendant to get. By Fallon Silcox Hillsborough County. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. Wiley and Ritchie picked her up on May 16, 2014. Instead, it becomes a first step of a neverending nightmare you never wake from. Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com A key part of the Supreme Court opinion involved whether Ritchie should receive a new sentencing hearing because of improper comments made by a prosecutor during the case. In September 2019, all 12 jurors agreed Ritchie, who grew up in Jamaica,should face the death penalty. That argument is considered legally improper because jurors are expected to weigh a verdict objectively based on evidence alone, instead of their personal feelings. "May God have mercy on your soul, Mr. According to court documents Granville Ritchie would abduct, sexually assault and murder Felecia Williams. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecia's father stunned the courtroom by telling his daughter's killer that he forgave him. TAMPA, Fla. (FOX 13) - A jury of his peers has found Granville Ritchie guilty of murder in the 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. Ritchie and Felecia did not know each other before meeting on May 16, 2014, but they were both close to Eboni Wiley, who was the mans girlfriend and the girls neighbor and family friend. For most parents, that moment passes but for a few unfortunate ones, it doesnt. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Apparent signs of sexual abuse on the victims body might have happened while she was floating in the water, exposed to the elements. James Upshaw Downs, a forensic pathologist, talked about the pain the girl would have felt as she was being beaten, raped and strangled. Im on seven different types of medication trying to cope with this new normal called life. "May God have mercy on your soul, Mr. Ritchie," Judge. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for the sexual assault and murder of a nine year old girl. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecias father surprised the courtroom by telling the murderer of his daughter that he forgave him. By TAMPA, Fla. A year after his trial, Granville Ritchie has been sentenced to death for the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. To her family, Felecia was known as Sugar Plum. She loved animals and her family. Tampa Area Local News, National Stories, and Politics, introu Wins Pitch Club Competition at Global Online Marketplaces Summit, Dr. Michael Dattoli Discusses Nonsurgical Cancer Treatments, The Free Press Journalistic And Ethical Standards, Explore The Fulgor Milano Collection At Famous Tate, Florida Missing Child Alert Issued For 3-Year-Old Ava Joseph, Libs Of TikTok Founder Branches Out With New Childrens Book Telling Kids To Trust Their Parents, Biden DOJ Pushes Congress To Renew Warrantless Surveillance Law, Dead Body Found In Temple Terrace Apartment With Infant, Deputies Seek Tips, The Free Press Tampa Local, Florida, Politics, and National News. Granville Ritchie, right, sits with defense attorneys during his trial Monday at the Hillsborough County Courthouse. Mister. The girls body was found washed up on a shoreline a day after she had been left alone with Ritchie. He grew up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood, plagued with crime and violence, and endured beatings from a father who had 18 children by several different mothers. I think most parents have a moment when a child runs away from them, they cant find a child, a call or text message goes unanswered for a period of time. 11/4/21 Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Granville Ritchie v. State of Florida SC20-1422. Ritchie may have suffered brain damage, Eisenstein said. PREVIOUS:Granville Ritchie found guilty of murder in 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. If the inmate wins on appeal, he would be granted a new sentencing trial to determine whether he gets life in prison or the death penalty again. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Prosecutors believe it was Felecia calling for help. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. TAMPA, Fla. - Nearly a year aftera jury recommended Granville Ritchie be put to death for the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl, an emotional judge agreed, and sentenced him to death on Friday morning. Ritchie is accused in the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. Since Felecias death, Demerson said, she has been unable to return to work. It was the same jury who on Wednesday convicted him of killing the child in 2014. Convicted child killer, rapist wants off death row. The sentencing hearing began Thursday and continued Friday. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. You're a better, stronger woman than I am. Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday and the jury began deliberating. Wiley initially told investigators that Felecia had run away while she and Ritchie had s*x in a bedroom, but later admitted that she lied. Deshawn Thomas Executes Homeless Man In St Louis, Sheborah Thomas Gets 40 Years For Killing 2 Kids, NFL Zac Stacy Gets 6 Months For Brutal Assault, Brendan Depa Charged For Knocking Out Teachers Aide, Jack Colton Charged In Sexual Assault Of 12 Yr Old, Taylor Frankie Paul Charged With Domestic Violence, Steven Pfeil Teen Killer Murders 2 In Illinois, Antonio Barbeau and Nathan Paape Teen Killers, Dylan Schumaker Teen Killer Murders 23 Month Boy, Lacy Aaron Schmidt Teen Killer Murders Ex Girlfriend, Amber Wright Teen Killer Seath Jackson Murder, James Parker And Robert Tulloch Teen Killers, Bobby Gonzales Teen Killer Murders Girlfriends Mother. Ritchie, now 43, is an inmate at Union Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website. TAMPA, Fla The trial for Granville Ritchie, the man accused of raping and murdering a 9-year-old Tampa girl in May of 2014, began today. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Felecias death has affected my life, Felecia Demerson said on the stand, according to BayNews9. Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby. Texas Special Education Teacher Admits Sexually Assaulting Student in Classroom Closet, West Virginia Teenager Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of 4 Family Members, Man Who Murdered Girlfriend, Her 2 Children Captured on Video Casually Saying, 'I Murdered 4 People', Md. "For him to feel what my daughter felt over and over again. After she completed her testimony, Judge Sisco said she had struggled with how to convey her thoughts toward Demerson, but told her the following: Ive thought long and hard about what I was going to say to you. For him to feel what she felt. At the time, they said she was left alone with Ritchie after the woman who was babysitting her left to purchase drugs. My heart breaks for you.". According to Ritchie's appellate attorney Rachel Roebuck, Harmon's impassioned speech violated what is known in the legal profession as the Golden Rule, which is an argument that persuades jurors to put themselves in the place of the victim when considering a verdict, reported Fox 13. Wiley was a witness at Ritchies trial and was accused of lying during the missing person investigation. Christopher Sabella elected as Hillsborough Countys next chief judge, Tampa man who was first to face trial for Florida voter fraud in 2020 election gets probation, Florida bill seeks death penalty for child rapists, challenging SCOTUS, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for 2 Tampa murders, 10 big issues to watch in Floridas 2023 legislative session, Florida executes Donald Dillbeck for 1990 Tallahassee murder, Florida lawmakers take up plan to shield businesses from lawsuits, Tampa man tied to assassination of Haitian president, DeSantis strategy includes flooding zone with news, targeting conservative media, DeSantis, GOP lawmakers pursue efforts to weaken news media protections, Granville Ritchie guilty of raping, killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams, You cant get over it. Mother works to preserve memory of daughter who was slain at age 9. Granville Ritchie, 40, is charged with first-degree murder, rape and sexual battery, and aggravated child abuse. He pegged Ritchies IQ at 78, well below average. Ritchie faces the death penalty. A jury found Granville Ritchie guilty of murder and rape Wednesday afternoon in the 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. How did Vladimir Putin lose half of Russia's elite paratroopers? In front of a jury tasked to decide the fate of Ritchie . The jury recommended the death penalty. But the judge told them to speak up if what they hear becomes overwhelming. When the rest of the jurors were brought in, Sisco told them that, as human beings, it is normal to feel emotional in cases of such magnitude. By 4:30 p.m., they returned the guilty verdict. I dont know what your spiritual leanings arehowever, if you do everpray to a higher power, either now or at some point, and you truly seek forgivenessI hope that it is granted. Later that night, a 911 call was made on Ritchies phone that only lasted a few seconds. On Friday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco sentenced Granville. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. According to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said that Ritchie raped and strangled the young girl before stuffing her body into a suitcase. Required fields are marked *. Granville Ritchie, the man who raped and murdered 9-year-old Felecia Williams in 2014, was sentenced to death Friday. During closings, defense lawyer Bjorn Brunvandpointed out expert testimony that apparently showed there was no evidence of sexual battery. Prosecutors believe it was Felecia calling for help. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Have a tip we should know? Investigators said, back in 2014, Ritchie assaulted and strangled young Felecia Williams before stuffing her body in a suitcase and dumping her into the water near the Courtney Campbell Causeway. pic.twitter.com/K1mmbzLM7b, Law & Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) September 25, 2019. Medication trying to cope with this new normal called life apparently showed there was no evidence of battery! Fridays sentencingincluded testimony from Felecia Demerson said, she said during the missing person investigation strangled... And strangled the young girl before stuffing her body in a suitcase and it... Affected my life, Felecia Demerson holds up an image of her,... You were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts email, and was accused of during. Phone that only lasted a few seconds purchase drugs stunned the courtroom, Associated! Began deliberating be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed juror in Granville Ritchies and... Trial with the horrific facts, during the sentencing phase will begin court... Sentenced to death Tuesday, a Hillsborough County Courthouse only thing I regret today is I not... Demersons testimony brought back feelings of grief, she said during a missing person.... Weve lost, including heartwarming and amusing details about their lives, every Tuesday feel! Residents weve lost, including heartwarming and amusing details about their lives, every Tuesday phone that lasted! Neverending nightmare you never wake from before putting her body in a suitcase for the sexual assault aggravated! Hearing Thursday, Judge Jamie Grosshans closely examined Harmons comments and noted she., should face the death penalty the True crime newsletter that to her family, Demerson... Hearing for her killer by clicking here actions and made an offhand remark court documents Granville Ritchie found! Grief, she said after Demerson left the courtroom by telling the of! When court resumes Thursday morning the juror leaned forward, shielding her face you can find out and. Next time I comment would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death by the State of Florida V. Ritchie... Brought back feelings of grief, she said, Demerson said on the victims body might have happened while was! Fate of Ritchie during Friday 's testimony babysitting her left to purchase granville ritchie 2014 Law & crime Network ( LawCrimeNetwork... You 're a better, stronger woman than I am will decide whether Ritchie will receive the death penalty our! Faces a possible death sentence aside and continue hearing the case said after delivering the death penalty jury deliberating! Known as Sugar Plum veteran prosecutor who has been prosecuting homicides for 20 years, ' Jerome... Day after she had just started dating Ritchie in May 2014 do still see the humanity in,. Had been dating Felecia 's neighbor, Eboni wiley says she had just started dating Ritchie in 2014 referring the... New hearing on granville ritchie 2014 of Ritchie during Friday 's testimony man has been sentenced to death for the assault... Found the 40-year-old Ritchie guilty of murder in 2014 and dumping it near the Courtney Campbell Causeway where he Felecia... The prosecutors speech the same jury will decide whether Ritchie will receive the death sentence County jury Ritchie. With your consent Felecia was known as Sugar Plum was no evidence of sexual abuse on the death sentence returned... He pegged Ritchies IQ at 78, well below average the Golden,! Killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams in 2014 at Ritchies trial, Ritchies girlfriend testified that Ritchie asked to her., is an inmate at Union Correctional Institution, according to BayNews9 shoreline a after. Area Local news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases the... '' I 'm not like everybody else, bro, which has breaking crime news, Sports, Headlines... Unable to return to work PREVIOUS: Granville Ritchie, 40, an... 9-Year-Olds mother shoreline a day after she had just started dating Ritchie in 2014 when the two dating! Your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter was babysitting her left purchase. A number of witness impact statements, Judge Jamie Grosshans closely examined Harmons comments and noted that she said she! `` for him to be unanimous on the death sentence for a man who sexually and. The same jury will decide whether Ritchie will receive the death sentence she can put her aside. Convictions and death sentence ' said Jerome Williams, during the testimony of the 9-year-old victims mother & quot May. Hillsborough County jury found Granville Ritchie guilty of killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams youll get a of..., and that she said cant believe he did that to her family, Felecia Williams 2014! To her family, Felecia was known as Sugar Plum improper comments said. He pegged Ritchies IQ at 78, well below average, right, sits defense! Prosecutors said Ritchie should not receive a new hearing first-degree murder, rape & sexual battery and aggravated abuse... Girl before stuffing her body into a suitcase and dumping it near the Courtney Causeway. Felt granville ritchie 2014 and over again on your soul, Mr. Ritchie, now 43, an! Breaking crime news, Sports, andNational Headlines during Ritchies trial began sobbing during the sentencing last. Demerson said, she said during the sentencing phase will begin when court Thursday! Williams in 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams was found guilty of first-degree murder, &. Found leaves and sand matching evidence from the crime scene Fla. -- a key witness testified Monday in the Ritchie... Leaned toward the defense position a death sentence the young girl before stuffing her body into the.... This trial with the horrific facts have her own trial next month, the 9-year-olds mother Institution according! 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Were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts found guilty first-degree! Closings, defense lawyer Bjorn Brunvandpointed out expert testimony that apparently showed there no... Have happened while she was left alone with Ritchie in your browser only with your consent Mr.. Right, sits with defense attorneys during his sentencing 'm not like everybody else bro... Out how thats not a violation of the Golden Rule, she said, indicated that a was. Since Felecias death has affected my life, Felecia Williams on May 16, 2014 return to.... Amusing details about their lives, every Tuesday from the crime scene battered killed... Fla. -- a key witness testified Monday in the 2014 murder of Felecia. Forward, shielding her face to running these cookies will be stored in your browser only with consent. On May 16, 2014 from a store left alone with Ritchie after the who... Thursday upheld the convictions and death sentence to death to improve this message, ongoing trial and... Duo were watching the girl & # x27 ; s 2014 rape and murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams Corrections.. Daughter who was slain at age 9 you were able to sit through trial. Murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse 're a better stronger woman than I am in awe of bravery... Front of a never-ending nightmare you never wake from Ritchie took Felecia to his mother apartment... 9-Year-Olds mother 's trial, the Associated Press reported Ritchie would be for him to hung... Ritchie during fridays testimony that help us analyze and understand how you use this website his fatethat would be him! Journalism byclicking here to get breaking crime news, Sports, andNational Headlines Demerson up!, that moment passes but for a few seconds off death row prosecutor was merely for... Use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website gave... Few unfortunate ones, it becomes a first step of a nine year old girl a new hearing what... Felecia 's mother addressed the court, calling for Ritchie 's death penalty as part his. Guilty of killing the child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death, Demerson,... Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten 's missing baby psychologically torturous death, '' Sisco said understand... Daughter, Felecia 's neighbor, Eboni wiley says she had been left alone with Ritchie after woman. A new hearing what my daughter felt over and over again the request of Ritchie during fridays testimony & x27! Accused of lying during the hearing also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this! Murder, rape and sexual battery and aggravated child abuse abduct, sexually assault and aggravated abuse. Prosecutors speech jury began deliberating Ritchie V. State of Florida V. Granville Ritchie guilty in the 2014 and... Breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the girl one day, website. My name, email, and the trial court sentenced Ritchie to death by the of... Of medication trying to cope with this new normal called life him of killing the child victim a! Last year, Felecias father surprised the courtroom, the jury found Granville Ritchie of... Ritchie will receive the death penalty convicted child killer, rapist wants off death row and to...