Fla. couple who adopted 12 children found slain

[SuzieQ]

http://www.pnj.com/article/20101027/NEWS01/101027002/Billings-homicide-Teen-details-home-invasion

Billings homicide trial: Teen details home invasion
Kris Wernowsky • kwernowsky@pnj.com • October 27,

 He was 16 years old and promised a cut of $13 million stashed in a vault in the home of Byrd and Melanie Billings.


Rakeem Florence, now 18, the youngest defendant to enter the Billingses’ home the night the couple was shot to death, testified today about his involvement in the robbery that turned deadly.





Both he and co-defendant Frederick Thornton testified that Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., 36, shot and killed the couple. Initially, both said the only plan was to take money.



The morning testimony from Florence detailed the weeks of planning meetings that preceded the July 9, 2009, home invasion that ended with the Billingses shot to death in their bedroom.


“Who was doing all of the talking?” Assistant State Attorney John Molchan asked.


“Gonzalez Jr.,” Florence said.


snipped>>>>>>>>>

[SuzieQ]

http://www.pnj.com/article/20101028/NEWS01/101028004/Billings-homicide-trial-Gonzalez-guilty


Billings homicide trial: Gonzalez found guilty
Kris Wernowsky • kwernowsky@pnj.com • October 28, 2010

The man accused of killing Byrd and Melanie Billings during a 2009 home invasion has been found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder.

A jury returned the verdict at 8:15 this evening in the trial of Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., 36.


He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and home invasion. The murder charges carry a potential death sentence.


He was accused of planning and executing the robbery of the Billings’ home in rural Beulah on July 9, 2009. The deaths of the couple who cared for nine special-needs children garnered national attention.


The prosecution rested this morning after a long week of testimony. The defense quickly followed suit, calling no witnesses.


In closing arguments this afternoon, Assistant State Attorney John Molchan said that Gonzalez Jr. planned the heist and then shot and killed the couple in front of one of their children.


“There is no doubt Leonard Patrick Gonzalez was the man who had his hand on the gun, his finger on the trigger and fired the shot killing Mr. and Mrs. Billings on the night of July 9, 2009,” Molchan said.


The portrait of Gonzalez Jr. that emerged in the three days of testimony is one of a broke, failed businessman who saw an opportunity to assemble a crew of wannabe gangsters to rob a man he believed had a safe full of $13 million.


Byrd Billings and Gonzalez Jr.’s paths crossed on least one occasion when Gonzalez Jr. came to his used car lot to ask him to become an investor in his struggling karate studio in Pace. Billings turned him down, but gave him a $5,000 cash donation on the spot for a nonprofit self-defense program Gonzalez Jr. and his wife administered.


“The motive in this situation is greed – simple greed of the defendant who was flat broke,” Molchan said. “There’s only one man who knows the source of a man who can come up with $5,000.”


The state relied heavily on the testimony of two of the young men who assisted in the robbery. Frederick Thornton Jr., 20, and Rakeem Florence, 18, entered pleas to lesser second-degree murder charges and agreed to testify on behalf of the state. Both could see reduced sentences.
(2 of 2)



Thornton said that he saw Gonzalez Jr. shoot Byrd Billings in the legs and returned from the van to find Byrd Billings dead at the foot of his bed in the home’s master bedroom. He also testified that he saw Gonzalez Jr. standing at the mouth of a closet, his gun drawn on a screaming Melanie Billings. He heard four shots and no more sound from the closet.


“It’s all connected. The pieces all fit together, but they show an ugly story,” Molchan said.


During his closing argument, defense attorney John Jay Gontarek said there are missing pieces to the puzzle.


“There’s no doubt this is tragic, what happened to Mr. and Mrs. Billings,” Gontarek said.


“What would be equally tragic is if someone who is innocent is convicted and sent to prison and even executed.”


He decried the testimony of the two cooperating defendants saying that their interests only lie in helping themselves get out of prison. He called them liars because even after they turned themselves in to investigators, they initially lied saying they never entered the Billingses’ home.


“They lied to their mothers, their aunt, and their family members because they thought it was to their advantage to lie to get the heat off them,” Gontarek said. “Isn’t that a motive to lie by liars who lie to their family, lie to law enforcement and I think lie to you.”


Gontarek said there was a rush to judgment and that there was never a considerable examination of the other nine people arrested in the bloody aftermath of the July 9, 2009, robbery. He pointed to Hugh Wiggins and Gary Sumner, who were present at various stages of planning the heist.


Wiggins had an alibi and is charged only with an accessory charge in Mississippi for helping his wife Pamela Long Wiggins get rid of three of the guns used in the robbery. Wiggins worked on an oil rig and was offshore during the murders.


Thornton and Florence both testified that Sumner stayed in a sport utility vehicle and never entered the home during the robbery.


But Molchan said that it was Gonzalez Jr.’s van and witness testimony that he directed meetings, gave orders, doled out weapons and uniforms for the robberies and laid out plans of what would happen.


The state also noted that four unique guns were used during the robbery – a shotgun, a .357 rifle an AK-47 and a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol. The only bullet casings found in the home were 10 9mm casings.


Thornton and Florence both testified that it was Gonzalez Jr. who held the only pistol.


“The defense would like you to think that the defendant is goofy,” Molchan said. “He’s not goofy. He’s a murderer. Plain, cold-blooded murderer.”


Snipped>>>

[cece]

 

Thanks for the good news, SuzieQ!

[cece]

Jury recommends the Death Penalty!!!

(vote:  10 - 2)

[SuzieQ]

Billings homicide trial: Jury recommends death penalty
Kris Wernowsky • kwernowsky@pnj.com • October 29, 2010

A jury today recommended the death penalty for Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr., the man who conceived and carried out the July 9, 2009 robbery that ended in the deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

Circuit Judge Nick Geeker set a Dec. 9 sentencing hearing for the 36-year-old Gulf Breeze man. The hearing will be the final opportunity for attorneys to argue for or against the death penalty. The judge will then set a final hearing date where he will announce his decision.

A hush fell over the courtroom as the court clerk read the 10-2 recommendation that the former karate instructor and father of six be executed.

The family members gripped hands and looks of relief swept over their faces as the clerk announced the jury’s the decision.

Gonzalez Jr. only nodded.

Four jurors wiped their eyes with tissues as the decision was read. The jury consisted of 11 women and one man who served as the foreman.

Ashley Markham, the daughter of the Billingses and caretaker of the couple’s nine adopted special-needs children, made a brief statement to the press after the hearing. She did not answer questions.

“Although our wounds will heal, there will always be a scar,” she said. “We have all lived this nightmare together, but we have all witnessed the United States justice system work the way it was installed.”


State Attorney Bill Eddins, who prosecuted the case along with Assistant State Attorney John Molchan, said they were pleased with the outcome of the case, but said they were limited in what they could say as many of Gonzalez Jr.’s co-defendants have yet to go to trial.


“I hope to put him to death,” Eddins said. “I join with Judge Geeker saying we live in a society and a world where violence — bad, terrible violence is ever increasing. This is just one example of that. It’s sad to me to see that. I see no end.”


Defense attorneys John Jay Gontarek and Randy Etheridge also commented on the recommendation.


“We’re disappointed,” Etheridge said. “We’ve got two more hearings to go.”

http://www.pnj.com/article/20101029/NEWS01/101029004/Jury-recommends-death-penalty-for-Billings-shooter

[trimmonthelake]

Thanks for the updates.      

[Sister]

Thanks for the updates.  May justice prevail!

[SuzieQ]

http://www.wkrg.com/alabama/article/billings-murder-opening-statements-in-second-trial-underway/1203943/Jan-11-2011_11-40-am/

Billings Murder: Testimony Begins In Second Trial

by Jessica Taloney
Published: Tue, January 11, 2011 - 9:43 am CST
Last Updated: Tue, January 11, 2011 - 11:40 am CST
 
Testimony began Tuesday morning in the murder trial of Wayne Coldiron, the second of seven men to stand trial for the home invasion murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

The victims' adult daughter, Ashley Markham, was the first witness called to testify. Markham explained that surveillance cameras inside her parents' home were installed to watch the special needs children who were adopted by the Billings.

Markham, who at the time lived in Perdido with her husband, recalled the night of July 9, 2009, telling jurors she learned about the home invasion and murders when she tried to call her mom and instead one of her special needs brothers answered the phone. "He was very frantic and screaming into the phone," Markham told the jury.

April Spencer, a nurse who lives on the Billings' property, testified that one of the Billings' daughters ran to her house to get help.

"When she came to the door she was just pounding and pounding and pounding on the door," said Spencer, who testified that she then went to the Billings' house and found Byrd and Melanie Billings lying dead in their master bedroom.

9:45 a.m.
Opening statements are underway in the murder trial of Wayne Coldiron, the second of seven men to stand trial for the home invasion murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

The Billings, a couple well known for adopting special needs children, were shot to death in their home in Beulah, Florida on July 9, 2009. Nine of their children were in the house during the home invasion, but none of them were hurt.

Assistant State Attorney John Molchan began his opening statement explaining how Patrick Gonzalez Jr., who was convicted in October, brought together a "gang" of seven men to execute the robbery and murders. "The robbery was designed with maximum shock and awe," Molchan told the jury.

Molchan acknowledged that Gonzalez Jr., 36, was the triggerman who killed Byrd and Melanie Billings but said Coldiron, 42, was an active particpant, carrying a 357 pistol into the home.

During the defense's opening statement, Coldiron's attorney did not dispute Coldiron's participation but described him as a late participant who became involved weeks after the others. Coldiron's attorney also described the former day laborer as fearful. "He had no way out," the defense attorney told jurors, trying to convince the jury that Coldiron believed he'd be killed if he backed out of the home invasion. "He was pulled into something on July 9th. He was pulled into something he didn't want to be involved in," the attorney said.

Melanie Billing's adult daughter, Ashley Markham, is expected to be among the first witnesses to take the stand when testimony begins later today. Two other defendants, who admitted to entering the home armed with guns, are also expected to testify. Rakeem Florence, 18, and Frederick Thornton, 20, were allowed to enter pleas to lesser charges of second-degree murder in exchange for their testimony against their co-defendants.

Coldiron faces mandatory life in prison sentences if convicted of two counts of first-degree murder. Escambia County Circuit Court Judge Nick Geeker will decide on February 17 whether to accept a jury's recommendation to sentence Gonzalez Jr. to death.

Donnie Stallworth, 29, the fifth person accused of entering the house, is scheduled for trial on first degree murder charges on February 28.

Gary Sumner and Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Sr., who investigators believe were the getaway drivers, still face trial.

[Sister]

Thank you for the update, SuzieQ.

[cece]

Sentencing expected in Gonzalez murder case
2011-02-17 / News
http://www.gulfbreezenews.com/news/2011-02-17/News/Sentencing_expected_in_Gonzalez_murder_case.html
Edit to snip article.  Please post only link and partial article or if brief as this one was, only title and article.  MB

[cece]

First Billings suspect to be sentenced

Updated: Thursday, 17 Feb 2011, 11:56 AM CST
Published : Thursday, 17 Feb 2011, 11:06 AM CST

    * Hubert Tate

PENSACOLA, Florida (WALA) - A suspect in the high profile murder case of Byrd and Melanie Billings will be sentenced Thursday afternoon.

A jury recommended death for Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. in late October. The trial lasted four days and it took jurors just over four hours of deliberations to reach a verdict. The jury found Gonzalez, Jr. guilty on two counts of first degree murder and guilty of home invasion robbery.

 ::snipping2::


Judge Nick Geeker will give the sentence at 1:30 p.m. FOX10 News Reporter Hubert Tate is inside the courtroom.

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/crime/billings-first-suspect-to-be-sentenced
Edit to snip article.  Please post only link and partial article.  MB

[cece]

Judge to finalize sentence in ninja slaying
 
The Associated Press

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- A judge is expected to issue the final sentence for the convicted ringleader of a deadly ninja-style attack on a Panhandle couple.

In a hearing Thursday afternoon, Judge Nickolas Geeker will say whether he agrees with a jury's recommendation that Patrick Gonzalez Jr. be executed for the slayings of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/02/17/2071810/judge-to-finalize-sentence-in.html


Edit to snip article.  Please post only partial articles.  MB

[cece]

Sentencing set for today in Billings murder case

Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr. today is scheduled to find out whether he'll face execution in the deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

Circuit Judge Nick Geeker scheduled sentencing at 1:30 p.m. at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building in Pensacola.

 ::snipping2::

The Pensacola News Journal will carry a live feed of the sentencing at www.pnj.com.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110217/NEWS01/102170312/1006/NEWS01/Sentencing-set-for-today-in-Billings-murder-case
Edit to snip article.  Please post only link and partial article  MB

[cece]

GONZALEZ SENTENCED TO DEATH!

[cece]

Death sentence for Gonzalez in Billings homicides

A judge sentenced Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr. to death sentences in murders of Byrd and Melanie Billings.

 ::snipping2::

State Attorney Bill Eddins and Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille represented the state.

The Billingses' daughter Ashley Markham and her husband Blue, who care for the slain couple’s nine adopted special-needs children, are in the court. Ashley Markham is expected to make a statement after the hearing.

http://www.pnj.com/article/20110217/NEWS01/110217011/Death-sentence-for-Gonzalez-in-Billings-homicides

Edit to snip article.  Please post only link and partial article.  MB

[cece]

Published: Thu, February 17, 2011 - 1:42 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, February 17, 2011 - 1:45 pm CST
A Pensacola judge has sentenced Patrick Gonzalez Jr to death for his role in the murder of a local couple.
PENSACOLA, FL - A Pensacola judge has sentenced Patrick Gonzalez Jr to death for his role in the murder of a local couple. In October, a jury found Gonzalez, Jr. guilty of killing Byrd and Melanie Billings.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.wkrg.com/crime/article/patrick-gonzalez-jr.-sentenced-to-death/1204853/Feb-17-2011_1-45-pm/
Edit to snip article.  Please post only link and partial article.  MB

[MuffyBee]

NOTICE:

Red has asked me to ask all of us in the forum NOT to copy and paste entire articles from sites, just post the link and PART of the article.  TIA.

[cece]

Soooooooo sorry Muffy Bee!   It's been so long since I posted, guess I've missed a lot.

[MuffyBee]

Soooooooo sorry Muffy Bee!   It's been so long since I posted, guess I've missed a lot.

You might want to go to the Forum Rules and read over them, because there have been some recent changes.

FORUM RULES
http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=8844.0

AND

IMPORTANT TO READ
http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=9451.msg1303911#msg1303911

[cece]

Thanks MuffyBee.  And again, I'm so sorry for any trouble I've caused because of my posts & I appreciate the heads up & your corrections.