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Feds Sentence Miami Gang Member to Life in Prison for Murder in Aid of Racketeering

Geno St. Flerose, a member of the “Everybody Eats,” “EBE” gang of Miami, was sentenced to life in prison for multiple charges, including murder in aid of racketeering. According to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, St. Flerose’s charges included murdering a man in aid of racketeering, assaulting…

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Florida Violent Crimes Report for April 2024

Feds Takeover Case Involving Carjacking in Winter Springs that Led to Women’s Death United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced the filing of a complaint charging Jordanish Garcia-Torres (28, Orlando) with carjacking resulting in death. If convicted, Garcia Torres faces a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment. According to the complaint, on April 11,…

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Florida Homicide Degrees and Legal Categorization

The laws on homicide in Florida are outlined in Chapter 782 of the Florida Statutes. Homicide includes various illegal killings, which are categorized based on intent, premeditation, and the circumstances surrounding the death. It is important to understand the differences between first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter within the legal framework.

First-degree murder is the most serious form of homicide in Florida. It involves a premeditated killing, which means the perpetrator planned the murder in advance. Additionally, it includes killings that occur during the commission of certain felonies, such as robbery, sexual battery, and kidnapping, under the felony murder rule. The penalties for first-degree murder are the most severe, including life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

Second-degree murder lacks the element of premeditation. It involves a killing caused by an act that demonstrates a depraved mind without regard for human life. This means the perpetrator engaged in dangerous behavior that showed a complete disregard for the safety and life of others, resulting in death. Penalties for second-degree murder can include up to life imprisonment but not the death penalty.

Third-degree murder is the killing of a person without the intent to cause death while committing or attempting to commit a non-violent felony. This classification involves unintended deaths that occur during the commission of certain non-violent felonies. The penalties for third-degree murder are less severe than for first and second-degree murder, with a maximum of 15 years imprisonment.

Manslaughter is categorized into two types: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary manslaughter occurs in the heat of passion or during a sudden quarrel, where the perpetrator did not have prior intent to kill. Involuntary manslaughter, also known as criminally negligent homicide, involves unintentional killing resulting from reckless or negligent actions. Penalties for manslaughter vary, with voluntary manslaughter typically carrying more severe sentences than involuntary manslaughter.

Florida’s homicide laws differentiate between various degrees of illegal killings based on factors like intent, premeditation, and the nature of the act. First-degree murder is premeditated or occurs during specific felonies, second-degree murder involves a depraved mind, third-degree murder occurs during non-violent felonies, and manslaughter covers killings without intent or resulting from negligence. Each classification carries distinct penalties reflecting the severity and circumstances of the crime.