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Thread: Michael Shane Bargo, Jr. - Florida Death Row

  1. #51
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
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    Next Bargo hearing set for Oct. 9

    The decision of whether Michael Bargo will spend the rest of his life in prison or be sentenced to death for the 2011 murder of Seath Jackson has been delayed more than a month, according to an official court announcement Friday morning.

    The first step in the process, known as a Spencer hearing, had been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. But that has now been moved back to 9 a.m. Oct. 9, according to Kristina Valdez, court operations manager.

    The delay is a result of a scheduling issue, according to Assistant State Attorney Robin Arnold.

    Bargo’s ultimate fate will not be decided during this hearing, but instead at a later sentencing date, according to Arnold. A sentencing date will be scheduled after Circuit Judge David Eddy hears all the evidence presented at the October hearing.

    A Spencer hearing is designed for both the defense and state to present any evidence or case law that might help to prove their case for either a life or death sentence.

    Bargo, 21, was found guilty on Aug. 20 for his role in the 2011 murder of 15-year-old Seath. On Aug. 27 the same jury recommended Bargo be put to death for his actions by a vote of 10-2.

    The final decision will be left to the judge, but he is required to give “great weight” to the jury’s recommendation.

    Bargo, along with several co-defendants who are currently in prison for life, are accused of luring Seath to a Summerfield home where prosecutors believe they shot and beat him and then burned his body, putting the remains in five-gallon paint buckets that were dumped into a rock quarry.

    http://www.ocala.com/article/2013090...CLES/130909802
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

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  2. #52
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
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    Bargo, a prolific writer, awaits sentencing

    Michael Bargo will be back in court on Wednesday for a hearing in which the defense will present evidence in support of a life sentence, while the state will argue he should be sent to death row for the 2011 murder of Seath Jackson.

    In August, a 12-member jury convicted Bargo of first-degree murder and overwhelmingly recommended he be put to death.

    Circuit Judge David Eddy will ultimately decide the 21-year-old's fate at a later date.

    Wednesday will mark 77 days since the jury's recommendation, and Bargo has passed the time inside a Marion County Jail cell.

    During that time he has written numerous letters that included a proclamation of innocence in a note to Rolling Stone magazine, kind words to a new love interest, a vivid description of his dream wedding, and a belief he will win his case from death row on appeal.

    “I'm not surprised that I lost (at) trial, my whole defense team worked against me,” wrote Bargo in one of his jailhouse letters. His attorney told the jury Bargo had a role in the murder — twice.

    “Arrested at 18, convicted (wrongly) at 21 and killed by 26,” wrote Bargo in a Sept. 4 letter to Rolling Stone asking if it would like to expose corruption in the 5th Judicial Circuit. He hopes to use the media to prove his innocence.

    The continuous stream of pages, stacking in the hundreds, are all part of evidence the state has collected against Bargo to prove its case. Prisoners are not awarded the same privacy expectation given to the general public, and therefore his mail — except for privileged communications, such as medical and legal documents — is public record.

    During the trial, the state presented overwhelming testimony tying Bargo to the crime while the defense presented testimony from just one witness, Bargo himself, who gave a different version of events.

    Co-defendants Kyle Hooper, Charlie Ely, Amber Wright and Justin Soto are all serving life sentences for their roles in the murder.

    Since that 2011 arrest, Bargo has become a prolific letter writer, sending and receiving hand-written notes from various women, interested strangers, family members and even fellow convicted murderer Joshua Fulgham.

    In a sampling of the correspondence written both before, during and after the trial, Bargo writes very little about the ongoing court case that has stymied his life. Instead, focusing on candy bars, his detest for cooking, an inability to do laundry, relationships and his passion for drawing and tattoos.

    Bargo is an artist, a talent he might have inherited from his mother, a graphic designer who lives in Michigan.

    These trivial topics wouldn't invoke much interest if the crime hadn't drawn international attention. The BBC had inquired about documenting the trial, and Dr. Phil recently reached out to the Bargo family, wishing to tell the defendant's side of the story.

    Bargo has written to young female admirers, but most recently to one Belleview woman in particular he met before his arrest, and looked forward to seeing in the audience during his trial.

    In these letters he described his dream wedding to the young woman: He stands beneath an arch of black, red and purple roses, his best man and wedding posse by his side, each holding a Tommy gun.

    His attire: a cross between Al Capone and Johnny Cash, complete with a feathered hat.

    Enter the bride: dressed in a dark purple wedding dress, black veil and train.

    Instead of the traditional doves, ravens are released into the air.

    The young woman works at a restaurant, dreams of one day becoming a doctor, and has a tendency to pick the wrong guys, according to her letters. She writes to him from a Belleview post office box — away from the eyes of a “too judgemental” mother.

    The pair met three years ago at a birthday party, and while she classified her attraction as “instant,” she did not pursue him.

    But two days after jury selection, she wrote him a letter and the pair had been communicating ever since. He keeps her letters stowed safely between his mattress and the cell wall.

    “I know you're not the monster everyone is proclaiming you to be,” she wrote to him. “I keep praying you'll be able to go home.”

    Bargo believes he will return home — in two to three years after he wins his case on appeal.

    In his letters since the trial began, Bargo has seldom given any hint of his emotions. But on a recent Thursday, in a letter destined for a Belleview post office box, he did reveal a glimpse.

    “I was hoping that after all the court stuff was over, whether they found me guilty or not, I would feel some kind of peace, but I can't,” he wrote. “... I still find it hard to believe I'm going to prison for a murder I never committed. The reality of all of it feels like an elephant is standing on my chest.”

    He looks forward to the resources available to inmates at the prison law library.

    During the trial Bargo testified for more than two hours in a narrative format. But he still proclaims his side of the story has not been heard in full, referencing a witness he was unable to call at trial who would testify to his innocence.

    Bargo has turned to religion during his imprisonment. In October 2011, he wrote a response to Lisa, an interested Ocala resident, and said he would never again blame God for his predicament.

    Instead the ordeal has made him stronger and put his faith to the test, which has given him comfort. “If I make it out then God has a bigger plan for me. And if not then so be it, that's how he wants it ... my faith has become unshakable and I think that was God's real plan from the start. I may not read the Bible every day or pray every night. But I know where I stand with my God.”

    http://www.ocala.com/article/2013111...news?p=4&tc=pg
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  3. #53
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    It's funny how his lawyer claims he is mentally ill and was bullied and yet Bargo can write so eloquently....gag..about his imaginary nuptials. I wish the media would just once give attention to the victims and their families instead of on the scum that carry out such hateful and callous acts of violence.

  4. #54
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
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    Convicted killer Michael Bargo says he doesn't want death penalty

    The man convicted of killing a Marion County teenager testified Wednesday as his attorneys fought to save his life.

    Michael Bargo's attorneys tried to convince a judge he should not be put to death. A jury recommended execution after finding Bargo guilty of beating, burning and shooting Seath Jackson in 2011.

    The hearing permits both sides to present evidence for either a life or death sentence.

    Bargo took the stand and told the court that he doesn't want to die.

    "I didn't do this. I know I didn't do this. I shouldn't get the death penalty. I shouldn't get a life sentence," he said.

    Bargo didn't admit any wrongdoing, instead saying he never got a chance to prove his innocence.

    "It's pretty bad a 15-year-old kid got killed. It's pretty messed up, but I didn't do this," he said.

    The judge then made it clear to Bargo this is his chance to comment on what sentence he should get. His defense attorney at times had to keep him on track.

    While the jury recommended the death sentence, it's up to the judge to make the final decision.

    http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/...mendati/nbrHr/
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  5. #55
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
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    Bargo set to find out fate in death of Seath Jackson

    Michael Bargo is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow and learn his fate: life in prison or the death penalty.

    In August, a 12-member jury recommended the 21-year-old die for his role in the 2011 slaying of 15-year-old Seath Jackson.

    But the final decision rests with Circuit Judge David Eddy, who will preside over the sentencing hearing starting at 9 a.m.

    Star-Banner staff writer April Warren will be live tweeting @Ajtwarren or #bargotrial. Updates will also be available throughout the day at ocala.com

    http://www.ocala.com/article/2013121...CLES/131219870
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  6. #56
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
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    Michael Bargo sentenced to death in Marion Co. teen's slaying

    A Marion County man was sentenced to death Friday for killing a teenager.

    In August, Michael Bargo was convicted for his role in 15-year-old Seath Jackson's murder.

    A jury had already recommended the death penalty by an overwhelming majority.

    "By a vote of 10 to 2, we the jury recommend the court that it impose the death penalty."

    Prosecutors said Bargo was the mastermind behind the crime, and he deserves to die.

    But the final decision is up to the judge.

    Investigators said in 2011, Bargo and four others lured the teen to a home, beat him, shot him to death, and then burned his remains. He then stuffed the remains in paint buckets and dumped them in a rock quarry.

    Prosecutors called it a cold, calculated and premeditated murder prompted by a dispute over a girl.

    The prosecutor said, "He wanted Seath alive, so when Seath took his last breath, the last thing he would see is the defendant standing over him."

    His co-defendants are serving life sentences.

    During a hearing last month, Bargo took the stand and maintained his innocence, telling the judge he doesn't deserve to die.

    "I don't want to die, man. I really don't. I was 18-years-old man (throws hands up)," said Bargo.

    Bargo is the youngest person on death row.

    http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/...ntenced/ncKKy/
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  7. #57
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    This is good news...even up to the end he denied his involvement. Typical self-absorbed narcissistic behaviour, whereby the perpetrator shows no remorse and its all about them.

  8. #58
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sasha2312 View Post
    This is good news...even up to the end he denied his involvement. Typical self-absorbed narcissistic behaviour, whereby the perpetrator shows no remorse and its all about them.
    And he is a Millennial..

    I am a Millennial, Generation Y, born between the birth of AIDS and 9-11 give or take. They call us the "Global Generation" We are known for our entitlement and narcissism. Some say it is because we are the first generation where every kid gets a trophy just for showing up. Others think it is because social media allows us to post every time we fart, or have a sandwich for all the world to see. But it seems that our one defining trait is a numbness to the world, an indifference to suffering.

    ~American Horror Story~
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  9. #59
    Senior Member CnCP Legend JimKay's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Heidi View Post
    And he is a Millennial..
    Quote Originally Posted by Heidi View Post
    The BBC had inquired about documenting the trial, and Dr. Phil recently reached out to the Bargo family, wishing to tell the defendant's side of the story.
    It's one thing to be interested in criminals -- everyone reading this post obviously is -- but interest as shown by BBC and the insipid Dr. Phil raises criminals like Bargo from mundane losers to media celebrities. I can't knowledgeably say whether this inspires some would-be thugs to act out their sick fantasies, but I think it suggests something unwell about our culture. Are we that starved for sensation? There's a wide world of art and science out there, beyond the contrived orbits of the Kardashians and the brutal murderers. Sure, the media covers that wider world, but the actions of BBC and Dr. Phil imply that trash has the same intrinsic value as gold. Why aspire to greatness when you can be a senseless failure and receive the same recognition?

  10. #60
    Administrator Moh's Avatar
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    Amber Wright seeks new trial in Seath Jackson murder case


    By April Warren
    The Ocala Star-Banner

    On Thursday, the day after Seath Jackson's face flashed across the screen during a victim's remembrance ceremony in Ocala, attorneys for his former girlfriend, who is serving a life prison term for plotting and aiding in his murder, argued her case before the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach.

    During a half-hour hearing at the appellate courthouse, Amber Wright's attorney, Paula Coffman, asked for a new trial. She alleged that statements Wright gave to law enforcement, which were used to incriminate her at trial, should have been suppressed.

    Coffman also argued that an improper number of jurors — six, not 12 — heard the case. She said her client's opportunity for acquittal was halved since the panel consisted of only six jurors.

    "And we don't know what a jury would have done if those statements had been suppressed," she told the court Thursday morning. "I would argue that some of the most damning evidence came out of Amber Wright's own mouth."

    Assistant State Attorney General Pamela Koller asked the court to uphold the sentence because Wright's most damaging statements actually just confirmed information law enforcement already knew.

    "We're here this morning because Amber Wright is presently serving a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole based upon her conviction by a six-member jury for a crime committed when she was only 15 years old," Coffman said.

    Wright celebrated her 18th birthday on March 29 at the Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala.

    Wright is one of five young people charged with murder for the 2011 death of Seath, 15. Wright lured her ex-boyfriend to a Summerfield home through text messages, where the group beat and shot Seath before placing his body in a sleeping bag and burning the bundle in a backyard fire pit. The remains were shoveled into five-gallon paint buckets and thrown in a rock quarry.

    Wright and her brother, Kyle Hooper, were charged as adults in the case and each was sentenced to life in prison. Also sentenced to life were co-defendants Charlie Ely and Justin Soto.

    Michael Bargo, 21, the believed ringleader, is now the youngest person on Florida's death row.

    Over a seven-hour time span at the Marion County Sheriff's Office on April 19, 2011, Wright gave three separate statements to law enforcement.

    During the first statement she did not incriminate herself. But after investigators gleaned information from Hooper, Wright was interviewed again, this time harshly.

    Since she was not yet in custody, she was not read a Miranda warning. In this second interview, she was told by a law enforcement official, "your brother already told me everything," according to Koller.

    Then, Wright admitted her role in the planning and execution of Seath and was placed under arrest.

    About 40 minutes later, Wright was interviewed for the third time — now with the Miranda warning — and again incriminated herself.

    Wright's comments in the second interview were suppressed. During trial, the jury became aware only of what she said during the first and third interviews.

    Coffman argued that all the statements should have been suppressed.

    Authorities were first alerted the teens might have been involved by Wright's mother, Tracey. Officials arrived at their home and then escorted Amber and other co-defendants to the Sheriff's Office while Tracey Wright followed in her own car.

    According to Coffman, Tracey Wright's encouragement to assist authorities might also have led to Amber's belief she should cooperate, as well.

    "Ms. Wright was never told by anyone that she could refuse to go," Coffman said, making her point that Wright could have thought she was in custody at that point.

    "She was never told by anyone once she arrived there that she could refuse, to leave."

    Judge Richard Orfinger and Judge Jacqueline Griffin both expressed concern that Wright was not informed by officials that her second statement would not count before giving her third statement, as legal precedent requires.

    But Koller pointed out that at the end of the third interview, Wright confirmed she made her statement voluntarily.

    "It's not like she was coerced, or there was any kind of trickery, or her will was overcome, or any of that," Koller argued. "It's just that she finally felt relief in telling the truth to the detective."

    Orfinger pointed out that precedent establishes that an issue arises when law enforcement intentionally does not Mirandize an individual.

    "This seems, from an outside perspective, seems to be carelessness on the part of the police officer, not an intentional problem," Orfinger said of the Sheriff's Office interview.

    But, according to Coffman, the state of mind of Amber Wright is what matters — not the questioner's state of mind.

    "The jury did not hear what Amber Wright was subjected to between Statement 1 and Statement 3; in fact, they believe there were only two statements made," Coffman said.

    Orfinger also pointed out that, according to legal precedent, a change in circumstances must occur between statements.

    "The only change in circumstance you got is about a 45-minute break. She's in the same place, same officer," Orfinger said. "Everything else is the same. You got a 45-minute break, whether that's minimal or not."

    As for the jury size: Orfinger referenced legal precedent establishing that a six-member jury was sufficient to hear cases of juveniles charged with murder.

    The court is expected to issue a ruling at a later date.

    http://www.ocala.com/article/2014041...NEWS?p=1&tc=pg

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