Byrd ‘Bud’ Billings and his wife Melanie Billings
Trial set for Billings' murder suspect
Florida (WALA) - A pre-trial conference was held Monday morning in the Billings’ murder case. The first of seven suspects charged in the death of Byrd and Melanie Billings is scheduled to go on trial October 25.
Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. is thought to be the mastermind behind the July 2009 robbery at the Billings’ home in Beulah. During the commando-style raid, Byrd and Melanie Billings were shot to death and at least one safe was stolen.
Six other suspects await trial for their involvement in the killings. Two of the suspects have accepted plea deals in exchange for their testimony against their co-defendants. Rakeem Florence, the youngest suspect, pleaded no contest to second degree murder charges in May. In January, Frederick Thornton's charges were also downgraded and the death penalty was taken off the table for his testimony.
The state plans to seek the death penalty against Gonzalez, Jr., Wayne Coldiron and Donnie Stallworth. Leonard Gonzalez, Sr. and Gary Sumner are charged with murder, but do not face the death penalty. Pamela Long Wiggins is charged with being an accessory after the fact.
State Attorney Bill Eddins told FOX10 News that the discovery process has gone smoothly over the last year and both sides are prepared to go to trial in the Gonzalez case. The prosecution will be seeking the death penalty.
Eddins anticipates the defense will file a motion for change of venue prior to the trial date for Gonzalez, Jr. Eddins will ask the judge to keep the trial in Escambia County, and bring in a larger jury pool to assure Gonzalez receives a fair trial.
http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/local_news/trial-set-for-billings-murder-suspect
Bookmarks