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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     MAY 22, 2006

Bennett Gets Life Sentence

Overriding a jury recommendation that Christopher Lamont Bennett receive the death penalty for the April 2003 murder of his five-year-old son, Judge Leonard Glick today sentenced Bennett to life behind bars for that crime.

Some forty supporters and members of Bennett’s family attended the crowded hearing in Key West this morning.  Many wept openly and cried “Thank you, Lord!” as Judge Glick read his sentencing order.  Bennett, 31, wearing prison blues, handcuffs and shackles showed little emotion.  He declined to make a statement before being sentenced.

On February 13, a Key West jury convicted Bennett of 1^st-degreee murder and aggravated child abuse for the April 2003 beating death of his five-year-old son Zachary.

The same 12-member panel was also charged with recommending “an advisory sentence” for Bennett.  On April 5, in a decisive vote of 10-to-2, the jury recommended to Judge Glick that Bennett die for his crimes.

In his sentencing order, Judge Glick acknowledged the “work, sacrifice of time and emotional toll required of this jury.”  He said “their recommendation is respected as well.”

But the visiting Miami-Dade County 11^th Circuit jurist said that “the law requires that the reasoned judgment of the trial judge be the buffer between the emotions of the jury and the imposition of death.”

Concluding his opinion, Judge Glick said “that in weighing the aggravating circumstances against the mitigating circumstances, the scales of life and death tilt to the side of Life in State prison without the possibility of parole.”

Manny Madrudga prosecuted the case for State Attorney Mark Kohl.  “Judge Glick has attempted to be fair in all his rulings in this emotional case and today is no different.  His decision does not in any way diminish the memory of Zachary Bennett.”

“I know this case has been torturous for the Bennett family,” said Madruga. “I hope they can move on with their lives and bring closure to this tragedy.”

Madruga also praised the jury for its “invaluable service in this case.”

In addition to the life sentence for the 1^st-degreee murder charge, Judge Glick sentenced Bennett to 30 years in prison for his aggravated child abuse to run consecutive to the life sentence.

Last modified: 10/23/07                    

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