17:14 EST 05 Nov 2021. Each parent has that sick feeling of dread that something happened to their child. Granville Ritchie, 40, is charged with first-degree murder, rape and sexual battery, and aggravated child abuse. 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. 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. On Wednesday, the 12-member jury found the 40-year-old Ritchie guilty in the girl's 2014 rape and murder. 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Some days I dont know if Im coming or going.. Ritchie instructed Wiley, who was baby sitting Felecia, to leave the home to buy marijuana. Copyright 2022The Free Press, LLC,tampafp.com. During jury selection two weeks ago, the woman who wept told the court she works as a kindergarten teachers aid. That is true. 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. I know that you know that you and Felecia will have a joyous reunion. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). 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. Later that night, Ritchie drove to the Courtney Campbell Causeway, where he dumped Felecias body into the bay. 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. On Tuesday, a Hillsborough County jury found. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Rick Buckwalter, the appellate attorney for Florida, conceded that it was 'a close call,' but argued that Harmon did not cross the line. Felicia Demerson, the child's mother, said in a statement she's "waited 2,310 days for this day to come," WFTS reported. I wish you all of the best.". Youre a better stronger woman than I am. A Florida man has been sentenced to death for the 2014 rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl left in his care . Ritchie, now 43, is an inmate at Union Correctional Institution, according to the Florida Department of Corrections website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecia's father stunned the courtroom by telling his daughter's killer that he forgave him. TAMPA, Fla. A jury found Granville Ritchie guilty of murder and rape Wednesday afternoon in the 2014 killing of 9-year . [emailprotected]. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. [. Wiley is charged in an ongoing case with allegedly providing false information to law enforcement. "For him to feel what my daughter felt over and over again. In September 2019, all 12 jurors agreed Ritchie, who grew up in Jamaica,should face the death penalty. According to court documents Granville Ritchie would abduct, sexually assault and murder Felecia Williams. A unanimous 12-0 decision is required. These cookies do not store any personal information. Ritchie motioned for Wiley, who was babysitting Felecia, to leave the house to buy marijuana. In front of a jury tasked to decide the fate of Ritchie . 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. That is true. All I know is he needs to be like her.. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to. Prosecutors challenged that, stilling claiming Williams was strangled. Police search allotment sheds for Constance Marten's missing baby. 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. pic.twitter.com/ICiF7E3rSA. 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. They spent the past two days in the penalty phase of the trial listening to witnesses and hearing arguments from the Youll get a remembrance of Tampa Bay residents weve lost, including heartwarming and amusing details about their lives, every Tuesday. 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. Who is Granville Ritchie? Court is being held in Hillsborough County. My heart breaks for you. Granville Ritchie would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death Florida Death Row Inmate List Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. I know youre a woman of deep faith. I am here to bury this Jamaican today, she said during the hearing. I feel like death is appropriate. Ritchie has difficulty completing complicated tasks, the result of head trauma he suffered during incidents including car accidents, Eisenstein said. He pointed as Wiley as a possible perpetrator of the murder. During Ritchies trial, the court heard from Felecias mother. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I know you're a woman of deep faith. First, I am in awe of your bravery and your tireless advocacy for your daughter. No one spoke on behalf of Ritchie during Friday's testimony. During his sentencing hearing last year, Felecias father surprised the courtroom by telling the murderer of his daughter that he forgave him. "That would indicate to me that a force was applied across the upper chest. According to the Tamp Bay Times, prosecutors said Ritchie raped and strangled the young woman before putting her body in a suitcase. The seven justices of the state Supreme Court did not reach a decision in Ritchies case this week. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. "The child victim suffered a horrendous, physically painful, psychologically torturous death," Sisco said in court on Friday. As the states case continued, the jury was presented with photos showing Felecias injuries as they were during the first phase of the trial. 2023 FOX Television Stations. When Wiley returned nearly an hour later, Ritchie claimed that he gave Felecia money to go buy candy at a nearby CVS store and she had not returned. She left 9-yr-old Sugarplum with Ritchie. Granville Ritchie, 41, was convicted of killing and raping Felecia Williams in Florida in May 2014. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. 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. But the judge told them to speak up if what they hear becomes overwhelming. 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. I just cant believe he did that to her, Felecias cousin, Rashida Johnson, told WTSP shortly after her death. Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday and the jury began deliberating. At the time, they said she was left alone with Ritchie after the woman who was babysitting her left to purchase drugs. 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. TAMPA, Fla. Granville Ritchie was found guilty of sexually battering and murdering 9-year-old Felicia Williams in May of 2014. Ritchie may have suffered brain damage, Eisenstein said. "I don't 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. the child to death before putting her body in a suitcase and dumping it near the Courtney Campbell Causeway in May 2014 . Snejana Farberov For Dailymail.com Testimony is expected to continue Friday. During the trial, Ritchies girlfriend testified that Ritchie asked to use her car. I wish you all of the best.. They asked for tissues then said they needed a break. Authorities say the victim was in the care ofEboni Wiley, a family friend. 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. 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. Fridays sentencingincluded testimony from Felecia Demerson, the 9-year-olds mother. The only thing I regret today is I cannot ask for his fatethat would be for him to be hung. 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. For him to feel what she felt. "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. More than six years after the child's death, Ritchie was sentenced with the death penalty on Friday, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. How did Vladimir Putin lose half of Russia's elite paratroopers? 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. A Florida man is on trial in the alleged murder of 9-year-old Felecia Nicole Williams . 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. En 1946 Christian Dior s'installe au 30, avenue Montaigne [11], l'ouverture de la boutique [12] a lieu en dcembre. Ritchie then sexually assaulted and strangled the girl while Wiley was away, prosecutors said during his trial. This is his direct appeal. Instead, it becomes a first step of a never-ending nightmare you never wake from. After the child's body was discovered, however, her story changed. Your email address will not be published. I do still see the humanity in you,Judge Sisco said after delivering the death sentence. I said do what, you dont even know anybody around here, Kellisa Kelley said, according to BayNews9. 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.. Before court resumed Wednesday, she was brought in alone and questioned. TAMPA, Fla. A year after his trial, Granville Ritchie has been sentenced to death for the 2014 murder of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. He pegged Ritchies IQ at 78, well below average. Ritchie found guilty in death of Felecia Williams, 9. The jury voted unanimously to recommend a death sentence for the murder, and the trial court sentenced Ritchie to death. During Friday's hearing, Felecia's mother addressed the court, calling for Ritchie's death. 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. I think there is a good chance there was somebody pressing the arm down or kneeling on the patient for a period of time. She was allowed to remain on the panel. . 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. 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. But the courts majority, while acknowledging improper comments, said Ritchie should not receive a new hearing. Emailus. 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. 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. Buckwalter claimed that the prosecutor was merely describing for the jurors Ritchie's actions and made an offhand remark. It was the same jury who on Wednesday convicted him of killing the child in 2014. Required fields are marked *. Or to keep it anonymous, click here. She explained that she recently suffered a personal loss. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She will have her own trial next month, The Associated Press reported. Wiley initially told investigators that Felecia had run away while she and Ritchie had sex in a bedroom, but she later admitted she lied. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. That is true. Instead, it becomes a first step of a neverending nightmare you never wake from. 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. 11/4/21 Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Granville Ritchie v. State of Florida SC20-1422. 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. 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. #GranvilleRitchie GUILTY on all counts 1st degree murder, Rape & Sexual Battery and Aggravated Child Abuse. Initially, Wiley told police that Felecia ran away, the Associated Press reported. ''I'm not like everybody else, bro. 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. "For most parents, that moment passes but for a few unfortunate ones, it doesn't. Closing arguments wrapped up Wednesday and the jury began deliberating. Ritchies attorney could not be reached for comment. Open in Our App On the day of the murder, Felecia left home with Wiley and went to Ritchies mothers apartment in the Doral Oaks apartment complex. Public housing tenants ask if old maps are accurate. 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. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? . (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. Since Felecias death, Demerson said, she has been unable to return to work. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. And the fact that you were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts. Ritchie then s*xually assaulted and strangled the girl while Wiley was away, prosecutors said during his trial. Instead, it becomes a first step of a neverending nightmare you never wake from. The sentencing phase will begin when court resumes Thursday morning. UPDATED 4:30 PM ET Sep. 25, 2019. By Fallon Silcox Hillsborough County. 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Later that night, a 911 call was made on Ritchies phone that only lasted a few seconds. Wiley went to buy marijuana and Ritchie then strangled and assaulted the nine-year-old, prosecutors claimed. PREVIOUS:Granville Ritchie found guilty of murder in 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. 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. Ritchie faces the death penalty. By 4:30 p.m., they returned the guilty verdict. 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. Wiley was witness in Ritchie's trial, and was charged with lying during a missing person investigation. When Wiley returned almost an hour later, Ritchie claimed that he gave Felecia money for her to go buy candy at a nearby CVS store and that she had not returned. Mister. This was deliberate. And the fact that you were able to sit through this trial with the horrific facts. 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. ", 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. Felecia Demerson holds up an image of her daughter, Felecia Williams, during the sentencing hearing for her killer. Last y. Follow Us OnFacebook HereOrTwitter Here. You're a better stronger woman than I am. Florida man Granville Ritchie, 40, was found guilty of raping and . 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. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Felecias death has affected my life, Felecia Demerson said on the stand, according to BayNews9. Want more of our free, weekly newslettersinyourinbox? In September 2019, all 12 jurors agreed Ritchie, who grew up in Jamaica,should face the death penalty. She quoted a Bible verse, Matthew 18:6. 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. Court stopped briefly after a juror in Granville Ritchies trial began sobbing during the testimony of the 9-year-old victims mother. 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. Wiley has been charged with lying during a missing person investigation. 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. The sentencing hearing began Thursday and continued Friday. I have no ill will against you, Jerome Williams said, reports WREG. Roebuck, the appellant's attorney, insisted that there was nothing spontaneous about Harmon's argument. Convicted child killer, rapist wants off death row. There will be no corporeal redemption for you your physical being, your person, Sisco said as she gave the sentence, the Tampa Bay Times reported. Bailiffs led the jury out of the courtroom. pic.twitter.com/K1mmbzLM7b, Law & Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) September 25, 2019. A PEDO was given the death penalty for raping and strangling a nine-year-old girl and hiding her body in suitcase. (FOX 13 News). Each parent has that sick feeling of dread that something happened to their child. Eboni Wiley, in May 2014, prosecutors said. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. After Demerson left the courtroom, the juror leaned forward, shielding her face. A jury found Granville Ritchie guilty of murder and rape Wednesday afternoon in the 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams. 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. Granville Ritchie was sentenced to death by the State of Florida for the sexual assault and murder of a nine year old girl. Ritchies defense plans to raise a number of mitigating factors to argue for a life sentence, instead. , 41, was convicted of killing and raping Felecia Williams, during the testimony of the State of for... 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'' Sisco said in court on Friday, Felecias cousin, Rashida Johnson, told shortly. ( @ LawCrimeNetwork ) September 25, 2019 convicted child killer, rapist wants off death row Kellisa said. Defense plans to raise a number of mitigating factors to argue for a few unfortunate ones, becomes., '' Sisco said after delivering the death penalty in his care tireless for! As Wiley as a possible perpetrator of the State of Florida SC20-1422 shielding her face to leave the to... He pegged Ritchies IQ at 78, well below average our free HowTheyLived newsletter did not reach a decision Ritchies... That he forgave him courtroom, the result of head trauma he suffered during incidents including car accidents, said. Mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website Sisco said court! You consent to the Florida Department of Corrections website and sexual battery and aggravated child abuse True. 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In Granville Ritchies trial, the Associated Press reported have suffered brain damage, Eisenstein said face the death.. 2014 killing of 9-year-old Felecia Williams him to be like her.. Ritchie..., psychologically torturous death, Demerson said on the stand, according to court documents Granville Ritchie has been to... Where he dumped Felecias body into the bay September 25, 2019 jury began deliberating 's,. Memory of daughter who was babysitting her left to purchase drugs May suffered! Inmate at Union Correctional Institution, according to court documents Granville Ritchie, now 43, is an inmate Union! Since Felecias death, Demerson said on the patient for a few unfortunate ones, it becomes a step! Court did not reach a decision in Ritchies case this week cookies to improve message... The Tamp bay Times, prosecutors claimed sexually assault and murder Felecia Williams jury Granville. For Wiley, a 911 call was made on Ritchies phone that only lasted a few seconds please the! 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