Billings Murder Suspect Won’t Face Death Penalty

Byrd Billings Billings Murder Eventhough he's being tried as an adult 16-yearold Rakeem Florence won't face the death penalty.
by The Associated Press/WKRG Staff
Published: Tue, August 04, 2009 - 4:18 pm CST
PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) - A 16-year-old boy will be tried as an
adult in the home-invasion deaths of a Panhandle couple known for
adopting numerous special needs children.

In a brief hearing on Tuesday, a judge ruled that Rakeem
Florence will face an open count of murder. Florence is the
youngest of the eight suspects arrested in connection with the July
9 deaths of Byrd and Mealie Billings, a Panhandle couple who had
adopted 13 children with autism, Down Syndrome and other
developmental disabilities.

The judge denied Florence bond and set his arraignment for July 28.

Florence won't be sentenced to death if he's convicted. Under Florida law, juveniles are not eligible for the death penalty.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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