State
of Florida
Office of the State Attorney
16th Judicial Circuit
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Office of the State Attorney 16th Judicial Circuit
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Criminal Justice System Overview Employment Opportunities |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 6, 2006 Jury Recommends Death for Bennett The Key West jury that in February found Christopher Lamont Bennett guilty of beating his five-year-old son Zachary to death yesterday recommended that he pay for that crime with his own life. In a vote of ten-to-two, the twelve-member panel recommended to Judge Leonard Glick the “advisory sentence” of death for Bennett’s April 2003 crime. The same jury that had unanimously convicted Bennett, 31, of aggravated child abuse and first-degree murder on February 13 had the option of recommending a sentence of life in prison without parole. Bennett had three times rebuffed offers from the State which would have reduced his charges and spared him the death penalty. This “penalty phase” of the trial was marked by poignant and grisly testimony. Prosecutors for the State Attorney sought to prove “aggravating circumstances” supporting the death penalty. Bennett’s defense team presented “mitigating circumstances” in an effort to secure a lifelong prison sentence for the defendant. Medical Examiner Michael D. Hunter testified for the State that Zachary sustained “about 37 areas of injury” to his 40-pound body. He surmised that while “severe head trauma” had ultimately rendered Zachary unconscious, “multiple injuries to different surfaces” of Zachary’s body indicated that he lived – and suffered – through much of the beating. Bennett’s defense called some dozen members of Bennett’s family, friends and acquaintances to the stand as “character witnesses” for the defendant. Many lived outside of Florida and under cross-examination conceded that had not seen Bennett in years. Some also spoke with affection of the murdered 5-year-old. The defendant’s mother, Darlene Bennett of Key West, described Zachary as “a very loving little boy . . . he would throw his arms around you.” Zachary’s pre-kindergarten teacher Theresa Sims at also testified on behalf of the defense. She characterized the five-year-old as “always smiling.” Sims recalled the final full day of Zachary’s life. She testified that she had designated Zachary “class leader” for the day – an honor for students in the class. Among the responsibilities of the class leader, she said, was helping to feed the aquarium fish at the end of the school day. Eager to give the fish their afternoon meal, Sims testified that Zachary stood waiting by the aquarium. He noticed that one of the fish was missing. In fact, Sims said the fish had died days before and had been removed from the tank. Sims testified that her assistant told Zachary that the fish was gone because it had “graduated to kindergarten.” With some jury members and observers in court openly weeping, Sims testified that Zachary replied, “Next year, I’m graduating to kindergarten.” Yesterday’s “advisory sentence” is a recommendation to Judge Glick who has the final say in Bennett’s fate. The visiting Miami 11th Circuit judge today held a “Spencer hearing” to afford Bennett’s defense a final opportunity to present live testimony. Eight people spoke on behalf of the defendant including his father, Robert Bennett, Sr. But Judge Glick suspended the proceedings until May 1 because Bennett’s defense team wanted to present additional testimony and because Bennett himself was too upset to address the court. On May 1, the prosecution and defense will submit written “sentencing memoranda” to the court and Judge Glick will schedule a formal sentencing. Under Florida law, cases in which the death penalty is imposed are automatically appealed. |
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Last modified:
10/23/07
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