WINK News
Minutes before a Florida judge handed down a death sentence, Joseph Zieler, a convicted child murderer, called his defense lawyer toward him: “Kevin,” he said, waving him over.
Two bailiffs wrestled Zieler to the floor.
The courtroom attack Monday was the dramatic punctuation mark on a 33-year-old double homicide case in Southwest Florida.
Lee Hollander, Zieler’s other defense attorney, said that Zieler’s behavior while testifying “did not help” his chances throughout the trial process. “If you’re in a hole, stop digging. That’s what I wanted to say right then and there,” he told CBS News, adding: “It was like, sitting down watching a train wreck.”
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After the elbow attack, a judge ordered for the already-shackled Zieler to be placed in additional chains across his hands and feet — and he was put in the corner of the courtroom to prevent him from hitting, kicking, or spitting at anyone else, WINK reporter Claire Galt reported from the courtroom.
Then, following customary court proceedings, the judge asked Zieler why he should not be sentenced to death.
From his spot in the corner, Zieler told the judge Monday that he was innocent of the murder charges.
The judgesentenced Zieler to deathlater that day.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
