John Evander Couey Still Not Sentenced

On March 8, a Florida jury found John Evander Couey guilty of the kidnapping, rape and murder of nine-year-old Jessica Lunsford and a week later the same jury recommended that he be sentenced to death by lethal injection. Three months later, Couey has yet to be sentenced and is not scheduled back in court for a hearing until July 17.

The reason for the delay is a Florida law that prohibits the state from executing someone who is mentally retarded. Couey's attorneys claim that he is mildly retarded. At his murder trial, Forensic psychologist Robert Berland testified that Couey suffers from mild mental retardation, based on a standard intelligence exam he took in February.

The July 17 hearing is to determine if Couey is in fact mentally retarded. Both the defense and prosecution have lined up experts to examine Couey before the hearing.

After the retardation hearing and formal sentencing hearing will be scheduled.

Background:
The Jessica Lunsford Case
The Jessica Marie Lunsford Foundation

Poll:
Should Sexual Offenders Wear Tracking Devices?

See Also:
Couey Going Back to Court