Confessed Killer To Go Free - Florida

[fran]

Botched case means man who confessed to 2 killings will go free

Sarah Lundy | Sentinel Staff Writer
April 30, 2009

In 2004, Joseph Modeste confessed to gunning down two of his Orlando tenants.

Today, without going to trial, Modeste will walk out of jail.

Orange Circuit Court Judge Bob Wattles ruled Wednesday that a botched explanation of Modeste's rights means that his confession could not be used at trial and that he could go home with his mother in Orlando.

"He has already been in jail for four years, and how can we keep this man any longer, knowing the state's case isn't going to go forward?" Wattles said.

Prosecutor Les Hess told Wattles that the state has no case without the confession

<<<<<<<<<<<full article at link>>>>>>>>>>>>


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-locmurder-charges30043009apr30,0,5908693.story

[Columbo]

Botched case means man who confessed to 2 killings will go free

Sarah Lundy | Sentinel Staff Writer
April 30, 2009

In 2004, Joseph Modeste confessed to gunning down two of his Orlando tenants.

Today, without going to trial, Modeste will walk out of jail.

Orange Circuit Court Judge Bob Wattles ruled Wednesday that a botched explanation of Modeste's rights means that his confession could not be used at trial and that he could go home with his mother in Orlando.

"He has already been in jail for four years, and how can we keep this man any longer, knowing the state's case isn't going to go forward?" Wattles said.

Prosecutor Les Hess told Wattles that the state has no case without the confession

<<<<<<<<<<<full article at link>>>>>>>>>>>>


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-locmurder-charges30043009apr30,0,5908693.story

What a travesty.

[ella's mom]

What a travesty.

Don't worry Columbo. I am sure he was rehabilitated those four years in prison. :rolleyes:

[SeriouslySearching]

GRRRRR! Someone dropped the proverbial ball on this one! :mad: (I know it wasn't YM.:cool:)

In court Wednesday, with his arms and legs shackled, Modeste promised the judge he would continue taking his medication, follow all home-confinement rules, have no contact with the victims' families and not violate any laws — even jaywalking.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-locmurder-charges30043009apr30,0,5908693.story

Shouldn't the judge have made him promise not to kill other people? I think that is sufficient since the judge has his word on such things n all. :nono:

[Lovejac]

Whew!!!

Confessed Killer Turns Down Release

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/19336193/detail.html

[Columbo]

Whew!!!

Confessed Killer Turns Down Release

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/19336193/detail.html

Don't want to make you feel sick again but did you read the part where he is having a new hearing ?

"The next hearing the case is scheduled to take place May 11. Modeste could be set free with no restrictions at that hearing."

He turned down the first offer because he wants his mommy and sister to be able to keep their gun, and part of the deal was that he couldn't live in a place with a gun. Like--do killers get a choice now? They get to set the terms of their release?? WTF?