Ritchie was found guilty in 2019 of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse in connection with Felecia's death. She didnt deserve thatits hard for all of us to deal with it, you know, but we have to take it one day at a time.. More than six years after the child's death, Ritchie was sentenced with the death penalty on Friday, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death,Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco said with her voice cracking, before removing her glasses to wipe away tears, 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. Hernandez expressed concern about the panels ability to make a fair decision on the death penalty. 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. 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. The sentencing hearing began Thursday and continued Friday. He pointed as Wiley as a possible perpetrator of the murder. Ritchie then s*xually assaulted and strangled the girl while Wiley was away, prosecutors said during his trial. 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. After the child's body was discovered, however, her story changed. It was the same jury who on Wednesday convicted him of killing the child in 2014. "For him to feel what my daughter felt over and over again. #GranvilleRitchie GUILTY on all counts 1st degree murder, Rape & Sexual Battery and Aggravated Child Abuse. Buckwalter claimed that the prosecutor was simply describing Ritchies actions to jurors and made a brusque comment. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Rather, viewing the record in its totality, it was the evidence of Ritchies horrific and senseless crimes against the victim, not the prosecutors missteps, that secured the recommendation of death. Justice Ricky Polston agreed with the outcome of the majority opinion but did not sign onto it. Granville Ritchie, 40, is charged with first-degree murder, rape and sexual battery, and aggravated child abuse. This is his direct appeal. Some days I dont know if Im coming or going.. 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. Later that night, Ritchie drove to the Courtney Campbell Causeway, where he dumped Felecias body into the bay. 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. 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On the day of the murder, Felecia left home with Wiley and went to Ritchies mothers apartment in the Doral Oaks apartment complex. Ritchie has difficulty completing complicated tasks, the result of head trauma he suffered during incidents including car accidents, Eisenstein said. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. 10:20 EST 05 Nov 2021 I just cant believe he did that to her, Felecias cousin, Rashida Johnson, told WTSP shortly after her death. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecias father surprised the courtroom by telling the murderer of his daughter that he forgave him. The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the conviction and death sentence of a Hillsborough County man convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering a 9-year-old girl and dumping her body in water off the Courtney Campbell Causeway. 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. After Demerson left the courtroom, the juror leaned forward, shielding her face. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 'Mr. Emailus. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Public housing tenants ask if old maps are accurate. 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 know that you know that you and Felecia will have a joyous reunion. Fridays sentencingincluded testimony from Felecia Demerson, the 9-year-olds mother. The child's mother and a judge had some parting words. Copyright 2022The Free Press, LLC,tampafp.com. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? 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. TAMPA Jurors considering whether to sentence Granville Ritchie to death for the murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams stopped their work Thursday morning when one of them began sobbing at testimony from the little girls mother. The penalty phase of the trial started Thursday. I feel like death is appropriate. Authorities say the victim was in the care ofEboni Wiley, a family friend. But the judge told them to speak up if what they hear becomes overwhelming. 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. Im trying to figure out how thats not a violation of the Golden Rule, she said Grosshans, referring to the prosecutors speech. A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl left in his care. On Friday morning, Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco sentenced Granville Ritchie to death for the May 16, 2014, murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams, report Fox13, WWSB and the Tampa Bay Times. Ritchies attorney could not be reached for comment. He said she used ecstasy, and that she said it could feel like Satan was manipulating her while she was on it. , updated 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. They traveled to a home, where the defendant was alone with the victim starting at about 4:50 p.m. Investigators claim he committed the crime, stuffed the body in a suitcase, and dumped it by the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Ritchie is accused in the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. TAMPA, Fla. -- A key witness testified Monday in the Granville Ritchie murder trial. That pain wouldve been greater for a little girl.'. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And the fact that you were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts. "The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death,"Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco said, as reported by WTVT. Youre a better stronger woman than I am. Ritchie was convicted of the first-degree murder of nine-year-old F.W., who was strangled to death in 2014. No one spoke on behalf of Ritchie during Fridays testimony. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Ritchie then sexually assaulted and strangled the girl while Wiley was away, prosecutors said during his trial. The child's mother and a judge had some parting words. The jury recommended the death penalty. Youll get a remembrance of Tampa Bay residents weve lost, including heartwarming and amusing details about their lives, every Tuesday. It is unreasonable to think, in light of the facts of this case, that any juror would be able to avoid all signs of emotion, Sisco said. Have a tip we should know? Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday and the jury began deliberating. "The only thing I regret today is I cannot ask for his fatethat would be for him to be hung. Later that night, a 911 call was made on Ritchies phone that only lasted a few seconds. 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. In September 2019, all 12 jurors agreed Ritchie, who grew up in Jamaica,should face the death penalty. On the night of her murder, Felecia, who was known to her family as Sugar Plum, was left alone with Ritchie at his Temple Terrace apartment by a woman who was supposed to be watching her. 'He wrote out this argument, he gave it to colleagues, I guarantee you, and tested it. James Upshaw Downs, a forensic pathologist, talked about the pain the girl would have felt as she was being beaten, raped and strangled. Last y. 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. No one spoke on behalf of Ritchie during Friday's testimony. RELATED STORY: You cant get over it. Mother works to preserve memory of daughter who was slain at age 9, Subscribe to our free HowTheyLived newsletter. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? On Wednesday, the 12-member jury found the 40-year-old Ritchie guilty in the girl's 2014 rape and murder. (FOX 13 News). Court stopped briefly after a juror in Granville Ritchies trial began sobbing during the testimony of the 9-year-old victims mother. 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. I do still see the humanity in you,"Judge Sisco said after delivering the death sentence. Investigators later found leaves and sand matching evidence from the crime scene. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In October 2020, she pleaded guilty to lying to the police and was later sentenced to 75 days in jail and five years of probation. 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. 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. According to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said that Ritchie raped and strangled the young girl before stuffing her body into a suitcase. Open in Our App First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Later that night, Ritchie drove to the Courtney Campbell Causeway where he dumped Felecia's body into the bay. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecia's father stunned the courtroom by telling his daughter's killer that he forgave him. By 4:30 p.m., they returned the guilty verdict. All I know is he needs to be like her. LIVE: Granville Ritchie, the Tampa man convicted in the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams, is expected to be formally sentenced this morning. 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. 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. You're a better, stronger woman than I am. I wish you all of the best.. The sentencing phase will begin when court resumes Thursday morning. #GranvilleRitchie Wiley left to get marjuana at the request of Ritchie. Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com The juror, a woman, wept as Felecia Demerson read a statement from the witness stand about her daughter and the devastating effects of her death. "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. Each parent has that sick feeling of dread that something happened to their child. He then is believed to have hid her body in a suitcase, which he dumped into Tampa Bay. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And Granville Ritchie knew better.. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). On Tuesday, a Hillsborough County jury found Granville Ritchie guilty of killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams on May 16, 2014. 17:14 EST 05 Nov 2021. Granville Ritchie, the man who raped and murdered 9-year-old Felecia Williams in 2014, was sentenced to death Friday. Roebuck, the appellants attorney, insisted that there was nothing spontaneous in Harmons argument. Eboni Wiley says she had just started dating Ritchie in 2014 when the two went to pick up her. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 'May God have mercy on your soul.'. Rick Buckwalter, the Florida appeals attorney, admitted it was a close call, but argued that Harmon did not cross the line. "The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death,"Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco said with her voice cracking, before removing her glasses to wipe away tears. Prosecutors cited three aggravating factors to support their argument for a death sentence: The victim was younger than 12; her murder occurred during a sexual battery; and the killing was especially heinous, atrocious and cruel. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Granville Ritchie, the man who raped and murdered 9-year-old Felecia Williams in 2014, was sentenced to death Friday. Im on seven different types of medication trying to cope with this new normal called life. I have no ill will against you, Jerome Williams said, reports WREG. Letsgetstarted. Bailiffs led the jury out of the courtroom. After four hours of deliberation, the jury found Ritchie guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery and aggravated child abuse. Ritchie, now 43, is an inmate at Union Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? The duo were watching the girl one day, and Ritchie took Felecia to his mother's apartment, the Associated Press reported. [. "The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death," Sisco said in court on Friday. My heart breaks for you. Still, she said, she can put her feelings aside and continue hearing the case. 2023 FOX Television Stations. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. Felecias death has affected my life, Felecia Demerson said on the stand, according to BayNews9. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Granville Ritchie, 41, was convicted of killing and raping Felecia Williams in Florida in May 2014. Woman Pleads Guilty to Shooting Ex-Cop Husband Over Allegations He Molested Children at Her Daycare, Pieper Lewis, Sex Trafficking Victim Who Killed Alleged Rapist, Escapes from Custody, Chinese-Canadian Singer Kris Wu Sentenced to 13 Years for Raping Multiple Women: Reports, Mel Gibson Can Testify in Support of Accuser at Harvey Weinstein Trial, Judge Rules, Jury Recommends Death for Fla. Man Who Killed 2 Boys with Hammer in 'Violent and Relentless Rage', Ohio Softball Coach Sexually Abused a Student, Then Begged Teen Not to Tell Authorities, Kansas Police Officer Allegedly Preyed on Black Women and Girls for Years: 'Terrorized a Community', R. Kelly Found Guilty on Six Counts in Child Pornography Trial, R.I. Man Accused of Sexually Abusing 12-Year-Old Girl, Then Offering Fellow Inmate $200 to Kill Her. I do still see the humanity in you,Judge Sisco said after delivering the death sentence. For him to feel what she felt. Prosecutors believe it was Felecia calling for help. Eboni Wiley, in May 2014, prosecutors said. By 4:30 p.m., they returned the guilty verdict. The woman, Eboni Wiley, testified that even though she had only known Ritchie for several days, she left Felecia with him to go buy some marijuana. The court rejected a series of arguments raised by Granville Ritchie, who was convicted in the 2014 murder of the girl, identified in the court opinion by the initials F.W., Felecia Williams. Wiley is charged in an ongoing case with allegedly providing false information to law enforcement. RELATED STORY: Granville Ritchie guilty of raping, killing 9-year-old Felecia Williams. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. My heart breaks for you.". Since Felecias death, Demerson said, she has been unable to return to work. Aconvicted child rapist and murderer is appealing his death sentence in Florida by arguing that the prosecutor violated the so-called 'Golden Rule' by asking the jury to imagine his victim's suffering. 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. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. Ritchie was found guilty of killing. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for the sexual assault and murder of a nine year old girl. I said do what, you dont even know anybody around here, Kellisa Kelley said, according to BayNews9. Rick Buckwalter, the appellate attorney for Florida, conceded that it was 'a close call,' but argued that Harmon did not cross the line. Support journalism byclicking here to ourGiveSendGoor sign up for ourfree newsletter by clicking here. I feel like death is appropriate. Wiley has been charged with lying during a missing person investigation. [emailprotected]. Granville Ritchie (pictured in mugshot) killed Felecia Williams on May 16, 2014 Wiley was a neighbor and friend to Felecia's family. At the time, they said she was left alone with Ritchie after the woman who was babysitting her left to purchase drugs. By Instead, it becomes a first step of a never-ending nightmare you never wake from. He told me he needed to do something. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Copyright 2023 My Crime Library | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. En 1946 Christian Dior s'installe au 30, avenue Montaigne [11], l'ouverture de la boutique [12] a lieu en dcembre. That is true. Young Nev. Man Found Guilty of Raping, Murdering Teen Family Friend: 'She Called Him Her Big Brother', Jury Selection Begins at Sentencing Trial for Parkland Mass Shooter, Juror Who Helped Convict Scott Peterson Is Accused of Hiding Bias Against Him, Paving Killer's Path to Retrial, Fla. Man Gets Death Sentence for Murdering 9-Year-Old Girl Left in His Care by Babysitter, N.Y. 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