No Death Penalty Sought in Sean Taylor Case

Florida prosecutors have decided not to seek the death penalty against any of the four defendants charged with the murder of Washington Redskins player Sean Taylor in his Miami home in November during a botched robbery. Assistant State Attorney Reid Rubin said that the death penalty will be waived.

Because the defendant prosecutors believe was the actual shooter was a juvenile at the time of the crime, they cannot seek the death penalty against him. Eric Rivera Jr. was 17 at the time of the crime.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that juveniles cannot be executed, therefore prosecutors cannot seek the death penalty against Rivera. Because they can't seek death against the shooter, they decided not to seek the death penalty against any of the other defendants, who were not directly responsible for Taylor's death.

Also charged in the case are Charles Kendrick Lee Wardlow, 19; Jason Scott Mitchell, 20; and Venjah K. Hunte, 20. Police said the four went to Taylor's house to burglarize it, thinking that Taylor was not at home.

Taylor, a two-time Pro-Bowl selection, died from a massive blood loss after being shot in the upper leg.

See Also:
4 Sean Taylor Murder Suspects Won't Face Death Penalty

Earlier Articles:
Sean Taylor Murder Trial Delayed
Police Arrest 4 in Sean Taylor's Shooting
Redskins' Taylor Dies From Gunshot Wound

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