A quiet Florida neighborhood Awoken by a gunshot a summer morning I 1986.Within hours, Two people died.The suspect wasn't a stranger.He was. A man who ever was part of the family’ s life.Approx four decades Later on the case Because of that, questions still arise. Its unusual outcome.A jury recommended death. Two murders, Until now the defendant received two very different sentences.One count brought a life term.Another brought a death sentence.Now, on 80 years old, Dominic Occhicone Preparing for an execution Who can put it in the middle. The oldest inmates Never sat death in the United States.
A Relationship Which was already over.
But June 10, 1986, Occhicone went to the Pasco County home of his former girlfriend, Anita Gerrety.Gerrety Lived there with her parents, Raymond and Martha Artzner, as well her children.According to court records, Occhicone Come early that morning And come closer the sliding glass door leads to Gerrety’ s bedroom.He wanted to discuss.He refused.When he threatened to produce contact. Law enforcement, He left the property.To most people, It would have been the end of the encounter.It wasn't. The end to Occhicone.
A Return He became mortal.
Approx a hour later, He came back.This time He took it a handgun.Investigators later Decided to cut it. The home’ s telephone Lines before you compete the family.The quiet morning Chaos quickly ensued.The damaged phone Lines remain. The household with fewer options While the events unfolded outside.When Raymond Artzner Out to compete the armed man, He must have taken it a broomstick.He never got up. A chance.Occhicone shoot.Raymond Had to endure critical injuries.Seam panic spread, Anita Gerrety And her daughter ran from the property And tried to protect. A nearby neighbor’ s house.They escape.Others were not so lucky.
The Attack Inside The house
After the shooting Raymond, Ochikon forced his way I the residence.A locked door stood between him and inside. The home.He broke it.When he entered he was confronted. Martha Artzner.Prosecutors He said he shot her four times.She died. Her injuries.The violence It was over almost as quickly as it started.Behind it, two members Of the same family mortally wounded.Beside, a manhunt began.
A Final Identification
Deputies soon Arrived at the scene.Raymond Artzner When he was alive one deputy got it.Despite his condition, He must have identified the gunman Before you expire his wounds.He gave the name. " Dom."That statement became one Most of all powerful pieces of evidence in the case.Investigators Also referred to a police dog to trace the suspect.The animal followed a scent trail leads to nearby railroad tracks.Authorities found Occhicone Went there and took him into custody.
What Happened I Court
At trial, the defense Focus on alcohol.Attorneys claimed it Occhicone's drinking And long history of alcohol abuse prevented it from becoming the intent Necessary for premeditated murder.Prosecutors Presented a different picture.One witness Witnessed it weeks First the killings, Ochikun had expressed. A desire to kill Anita Gerrety's parents And generate him see.The statement It is recommended to plan instead. An impulsive act.Another witness Offered damaging testimony Along with that.A jailhouse informant claimed Occhicone later Admitted it his biggest mistake Couldn't hit Gerrety herself.The prosecution is used those statements to support the argument that the murders was done on purpose.
A Split Sentence Few Expected
I September 1987, A jury convicted Occhicone Of two counts Of first- degree murder.Jurors The death penalty has been proposed both killings.The recommendation A focused pass 7- 5 Voice.The final decision Belonged to the judge.When convicted, the result surprised many observers.To the murder Of Raymond Artzner, said the judge life imprisonment With no parole eligibility to 25 years.To the murder Of Martha Artzner, The judge sentenced him to death.Two victims.Two murder convictions.Two very different punishments.
Why One Murder Brought Death penalty
The judge pointed to several factors When you explain the decision.Court Records Cited a previous conviction involved in violence.The murder also happened during a burglary After Occhicone forced his way I the home.The judge It further concluded that Martha Artzner's killing It was carried out in a cold and carefully planned manner.Only one mitigating circumstance gained weight.The court Found it Occhicone Worked while I was experimenting. Extreme emotional disturbance.That factor It wasn't enough to overcome the aggravating circumstances connected to Martha Artzner's murder.
Approx Four Decades But Death Row
Years I changed decades.Appeals came and went.Occhicone stayed on Florida's death row While legal challenges Still off the courts.As time went on he became one Of the oldest inmates waiting execution in the country.The case Gradually went from questions about the crime to questions. Age and health.His attorneys claimed it his physical condition was injured.Reports indicated that he needed support. Basic daily activities, including entry and exit the shower.The defense Maintained this process a man in such condition would be inappropriate.Florida The courts have repeatedly rejected those arguments.The judges handed down the verdict advanced age alone Doesn't stop the state By performing a lawful execution.
An Execution Decades I the Making
If scheduled execution continues. July 28, Occichone will be 80 years old.This will do it. The oldest person I was never hanged Florida.He would also rank in the middle. The oldest individuals I was hanged modern American history.The passage of time has changed many aspects of the case.Witnesses have become old.Communities has changed.Generations They came and went.Nevertheless the events Of one June morning I 1986 Continue the shape the story.Two parents lost their lives.A family was spread.And a case It started with a rejected visit To an ex- girlfriend's home The rest is one Of Florida's Most impressive murder prosecutions approx forty years later.