Rebecca Kunash, 6
Facts of the Crime:
The nude body of six-year-old Rebecca Kunash was found in a Brevard County canal on May 11, 1979. According to the autopsy report, she suffered a fractured skull. She had been raped and asphyxiation was the final cause of death. At trial, the evidence compiled suggested that Bryan Jennings broke into Rebecca’s bedroom and covered her breathing passages until she lost consciousness. Upon exiting the house, Jennings threw the victim down, causing her head to strike the pavement with enough force to fracture her skull. Jennings then moved the victim to a canal close by where he sexually assaulted her before holding her head underwater for approximately ten minutes.
Shortly after the murder, Jennings was arrested on an Orange County traffic warrant. On May 12, officers awakened Jennings at 1:00 a.m. for the purpose of questioning him about Rebecca’s murder. Jennings indicated that he wanted an attorney after he was read his rights. The investigator further explained Jennings’ rights and said he hoped Jennings would continue questioning at that time. Jennings decided that he would talk to the investigating officer if he was allowed a brief recess to gather his thoughts. Five minutes later, Jennings’ returned and consented to proceed with questioning without his attorney. During the interrogation, Jennings initially said that he was not involved in the murder, but when the investigator pressed him, Jennings made an incriminating statement. This statement resulted in the police gaining possession of clothing items, hand-drawn maps, and pictures, all of which were later introduced into evidence.
Jennings was sentenced to death for the third time in Brevard County on April 25, 1986.
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