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July 23, 2007
Lunsford takes on daughter’s killer
Topics: GeneralInverness, Florida - For the first time since his daughter's murder in 2005, Mark Lunsford go the opportunity to address her murderer John Couey in Court.
Through tears and with a shaky voice Mark Lunsford stopped looking down at his notes, as he had for the first portion of his victim impact statement, and looked directly at Couey, “I hope you hear her cries as you go to sleep at night.”
Lunsford went on to say, “You will never hurt another child again” Lunsford turned to the judge pleading with him to follow the death sentence recommendation handed down by a Miami jury in March.
During the day's hearing, Couey's mental state took center stage. A psychologist called by prosecutors was on the stand for about five hours. Gregory Prichard told the court he believed Couey was of sound mind not mentally retarded based on I.Q. tests, interviews with Couey and Couey's family and employers.
The judge held off on ruling on Couey's mental competency until he can review some expert transcripts from the trial. Judge Richard Howard will issue a written ruling. If he finds Couey mentally retarded the death penalty is no longer an option.
Formal sentencing is scheduled for August 10th.
Posted by admin at July 23, 2007 10:23 PM
