Summary of Offense:
On July 24, 1997, the bodies of 66-year-old twin sisters, Claire Brunt and Bernice Flegel, were found dead in their home, both the victims of multiple stab wounds. At the scene, investigators found several shoeprints inside the home, some of which were consistent with Carlton Francis’ shoe size; three knives found out of place, with one having blood residue. Claire Brunt received sixteen stab wounds, some of which were three to four inches deep, that severed her jugular vein and punctured her lung. Bernice Flegel received twenty-three stab wounds, some of which were four to five inches deep, that severed her jugular vein. Carlton Francis was a neighbor of the sisters, living with his mother, Eleanor Goods, his two nephews, and his elderly aunt.
Mrs. Goods and the sisters were good friends, and Francis would occasionally get financial help or rides to school from the sisters. Francis’ nephews testified to seeing Francis near the sisters’ home around the time of the murders, with a red stain on the shoulder of his t-shirt. When Mrs. Brunt’s daughter came to visit at around 4:00 p.m. on the day of the murders, she noticed that the sisters’ car was missing and the front door was ajar. Upon entering the home, she found her mother’s body in the living room and her aunt’s body in the kitchen. Upon inspection of the house, a number of small items, including jewelry, antique coins, pocket watches, and a black radio were missing, as well as the vehicle belonging to the sisters.
At approximately 3:40 p.m. on the day of the murders, Francis visited a friend named C.J., who admitted to selling heroin to Francis on numerous occasions. C.J. testified that the car Francis was driving was the same that was stolen from the sisters. After seeing a news report of the murders, Francis asked to borrow a wheelbarrow and gasoline and proceeded to burn some clothing, a duffel bag, and what appeared to be a ladies’ pocketbook and passport. Around 7:00 p.m., Francis returned to his neighborhood via taxi. Francis and his mother were questioned by police, and he could not produce the clothing that he was wearing during the day. At a later date, Francis attempted to get C.J. to pawn some items, including coins, jewelry, and a black radio, but C.J. declined. Upon further investigation, numerous items belonging to the sisters were found in a trash pile across from C.J.’s house.
Francis was sentenced to death in Palm Beach County on October 23, 1998.
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