By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 9/21/09
Roderick Washington is a 19-year-old who once played football and basketball, ran on the school track team and held a steady job at a Cape Coral McDonald's. He enjoyed dancing.
Family members hoped Washington would one day inherit the family business, a mobile barbecue restaurant.
But a night at Kemar Johnston's birthday party in 2006 changed the then 16-year-old's life forever - a night that ended in the brutal murders of Alexis Sosa, 18, and Jeffrey Sosa, 14.
Washington was found guilty as a principal in the slayings, first of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in May, then of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping in a retrial last week.
Washington and nine others are accused in the killings, several of whom are allegedly members of a rap group called the "Cash Feenz."
According to his mother, Lashun Washington, her son was not a part of the Cash Feenz.
"What hurt me the most is how they were trying to label him as a Cash Feenz," she said Monday, following her son's sentencing.
Lashun has been Washington's mother since his biological mother died when he was 2 years old. She is married to his father, Rickey Washington.
A 12-person jury decided Washington held Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa at gunpoint in Johnston's home as they were tied, beaten, carved and covered in bleach, and helped load them into the trunk of a car used to transport them to a north Cape Coral industrial site where they were shot to death.
He was sentenced Monday to serve four consecutive life sentences, which will be added to the 30 years he is already serving from his conviction in May.
Lashun said her son's life was taken for a crime he did not commit, and murders he had no idea would take place as a result of his actions.
She feels that because Washington chose to go to trial, he was punished.
"You shouldn't take away his life when you know he wasn't the one who killed them," she said.
Lashun said that after the first trial, state attorneys offered Washington 10 years in addition to his 30-year sentence in exchange for his testimony against co-defendants, but Washington refused.
State Attorney's Office spokesperson Samantha Syoen said no information was available Monday evening regarding a proposed agreement between the state and Washington.
Lashun said her son wanted to fight for his innocence.
"He said, 'I'm not the bad guy, not me. I didn't do that. I'm going to fight for this. I'm fighting,'" she said.
Though Lashun feels it is unjust - that others at Johnston's party received plea deals or were never charged, that witness testimony was inconsistent and that, she believes, Lee County could not provide a fair trial given the publicity of the case - she still knows Washington did not do the right thing.
"My son, he did wrong, and he has to pay for that," Lashun said. "It was hard for us at first. He came to us and broke down. He knew we did our work to him as parents, and he just apologized to us. He went to God and asked for forgiveness."
Washington ran away from home prior to the Sosas' murders and became associated with co-defendant Kenneth "Ant" Lopez.
Lashun said that prior to leaving home, her son had never been in trouble with the law.
"He was a good kid, and I think the majority of people who knew him know that," she said. "He just got messed up with the wrong kids."
Though the jury decided evidence against Washington exceeded the burden of proof to find him guilty, the Cape teen will appeal the conviction.
"I just want to get it out that that this is unfair," Lashun said. "All we can do is pray, and we tell him to pray. It's not over until God says it's over."
Washington will try to retain his lawyer, Paul Sullivan, for the appeal process, or otherwise will hire private council.
Washington's father, mother, 23-year-old brother and 18-year-old sister continue to cope with what has happened, and have offered their condolences to the Sosa family for the loss of Alexis and Jeffrey.
"You just can't imagine how they're feeling right now," Lashun said. "You just don't know. Nobody really wins."
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Washington. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Washington receives four life sentences in ’06 double killing
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and Naples Daily News 7/21/09
After two trials and an eventual conviction on two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, Roderick Washington will serve four consecutive life sentences plus 30 years in prison, a Lee County judge said Monday.
Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese handed down the sentence after Washington, 19, was found guilty for his role in the 2006 double slaying of Alexis Sosa, 18, and Jeffrey Sosa, 14.
Isabel Sosa, Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa's grandmother, commented in Spanish that she is "very satisfied and happy with the prosecutors, the State Attorney's Office, the judge and the jury."
Witness testimony pegged Washington as holding a gun to the Sosas at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's home while they were bound, beat and tortured. He also helped carry the Sosas to the trunk of a car used to transport them to a north Cape Coral industrial site where they were fatally shot.
Nine others, several of whom were reportedly members of a rap group called the "Cash Feenz," are accused in the murders.
Washington's mother said her son was not a member of the Cash Feenz.
"They tried to make him seem like he was one of the Cash Feenz, and he wasn't," Lashun Washington said following the sentencing Monday afternoon. "He didn't deserve life."
Lashun Washington pointed to the unreliability of witness statements during the trial, which defined Washington's role as a principal in the Sosas' killings but were inconsistent in other respects.
"You have a lot of witnesses telling lies," she said. "He didn't have a chance."
Washington will appeal the decision, and will attempt to retain defense attorney Paul Sullivan's council for the process, Lashun Washington said.
Washington has 30 days to file for appeal.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and Naples Daily News 7/21/09
After two trials and an eventual conviction on two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, Roderick Washington will serve four consecutive life sentences plus 30 years in prison, a Lee County judge said Monday.
Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese handed down the sentence after Washington, 19, was found guilty for his role in the 2006 double slaying of Alexis Sosa, 18, and Jeffrey Sosa, 14.
Isabel Sosa, Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa's grandmother, commented in Spanish that she is "very satisfied and happy with the prosecutors, the State Attorney's Office, the judge and the jury."
Witness testimony pegged Washington as holding a gun to the Sosas at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's home while they were bound, beat and tortured. He also helped carry the Sosas to the trunk of a car used to transport them to a north Cape Coral industrial site where they were fatally shot.
Nine others, several of whom were reportedly members of a rap group called the "Cash Feenz," are accused in the murders.
Washington's mother said her son was not a member of the Cash Feenz.
"They tried to make him seem like he was one of the Cash Feenz, and he wasn't," Lashun Washington said following the sentencing Monday afternoon. "He didn't deserve life."
Lashun Washington pointed to the unreliability of witness statements during the trial, which defined Washington's role as a principal in the Sosas' killings but were inconsistent in other respects.
"You have a lot of witnesses telling lies," she said. "He didn't have a chance."
Washington will appeal the decision, and will attempt to retain defense attorney Paul Sullivan's council for the process, Lashun Washington said.
Washington has 30 days to file for appeal.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Jury: Washington guilty in torture and slayings; ‘Cash Feenz’ member to get life
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and Naples Daily News 7/14/09
Thirty years in prison the first time.
A lifetime the second.
That is the order in which Roderick Washington's guilt was determined for his role in the 2006 tortures and killings of Alexis, 18, and Jeffrey Sosa, 14, over the course of two murder trials.
Washington, 19, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial in May, and was sentenced to serve two consecutive 15-year prison terms.
The alleged member of the "Cash Feenz" rap group accused in the brutal slayings will now face a mandatory life prison sentence for two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
A 10-man, 2-woman jury determined Washington's guilt over the course of three hours Monday.
The decision stands in staunch contrast to the May trial when the jury deadlocked on the murder and kidnapping charges after nearly a day and a half behind closed doors.
Washington shared a silent nod with a family member in the courtroom gallery as he was fingerprinted and escorted into custody.
Outside the courtroom on the eighth floor of the Lee County Justice Center annex building, a woman burst into sobs and embraced her child.
Members of the Washington family declined to comment on his conviction.
Despite defense attorney Paul Sullivan's protests that the state's witnesses were unreliable party-goers and co-defendants who would say anything to keep their plea deals, the jury relied on the collective testimony to adjudicate Washington guilty on all counts.
"We're obviously very pleased with the verdict," said Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr. "We've felt all along that Mr. Washington was a major player in these Cash Feenz tortures and murders. We're pleased that they took three hours to come back and find a verdict of guilty on these four serious charges."
Doerr said that bringing in additional witnesses and tightening loose ends in the few months between trials likely strengthened their case against Washington, possibly a factor in the second jury's notably quicker decision.
Witnesses pegged Washington as holding a gun to the Sosas as they were bound, carved with knives, covered with bleach and shocked with a Taser at the birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston.
They also said he helped place the Sosas in the trunk of a car used to transport them to a north Cape Coral industrial site where they were fatally shot.
Co-defendants, including Alexis Fernandez, Iriana Santos, Melissa Rivera and Michael Balint, along with several party-goers, were hazy on various details of the evening the Sosas were killed, but remembered distinctively Washington wielding a .22-caliber rifle and, at one point, a pistol.
Washington's part in the kidnapping of the Sosas makes him a principal to their murders, regardless of premeditation, because of the inherent danger of holding another human being against their will.
Washington will be sentenced Monday before Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese.
He has 30 days from the date of his sentencing to appeal the decision.
Washington is the second Cash Feenz defendant to be found guilty in the 2006 double murder, after Ashley Toye who was previously sentenced to life without parole.
Co-defendants Kemar Johnston, Kenneth Lopez and Paul Nunez still await trial in the case.
Melissa Rivera, Iriana Santos, Alexis Fernandez, Cody Roux and Michael Balint have each pleaded guilty to lesser crimes and will receive prison sentences varying between 14 and 26 years in exchange for their testimony during the trials of their remaining co-defendants.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and Naples Daily News 7/14/09
Thirty years in prison the first time.
A lifetime the second.
That is the order in which Roderick Washington's guilt was determined for his role in the 2006 tortures and killings of Alexis, 18, and Jeffrey Sosa, 14, over the course of two murder trials.
Washington, 19, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial in May, and was sentenced to serve two consecutive 15-year prison terms.
The alleged member of the "Cash Feenz" rap group accused in the brutal slayings will now face a mandatory life prison sentence for two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
A 10-man, 2-woman jury determined Washington's guilt over the course of three hours Monday.
The decision stands in staunch contrast to the May trial when the jury deadlocked on the murder and kidnapping charges after nearly a day and a half behind closed doors.
Washington shared a silent nod with a family member in the courtroom gallery as he was fingerprinted and escorted into custody.
Outside the courtroom on the eighth floor of the Lee County Justice Center annex building, a woman burst into sobs and embraced her child.
Members of the Washington family declined to comment on his conviction.
Despite defense attorney Paul Sullivan's protests that the state's witnesses were unreliable party-goers and co-defendants who would say anything to keep their plea deals, the jury relied on the collective testimony to adjudicate Washington guilty on all counts.
"We're obviously very pleased with the verdict," said Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr. "We've felt all along that Mr. Washington was a major player in these Cash Feenz tortures and murders. We're pleased that they took three hours to come back and find a verdict of guilty on these four serious charges."
Doerr said that bringing in additional witnesses and tightening loose ends in the few months between trials likely strengthened their case against Washington, possibly a factor in the second jury's notably quicker decision.
Witnesses pegged Washington as holding a gun to the Sosas as they were bound, carved with knives, covered with bleach and shocked with a Taser at the birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston.
They also said he helped place the Sosas in the trunk of a car used to transport them to a north Cape Coral industrial site where they were fatally shot.
Co-defendants, including Alexis Fernandez, Iriana Santos, Melissa Rivera and Michael Balint, along with several party-goers, were hazy on various details of the evening the Sosas were killed, but remembered distinctively Washington wielding a .22-caliber rifle and, at one point, a pistol.
Washington's part in the kidnapping of the Sosas makes him a principal to their murders, regardless of premeditation, because of the inherent danger of holding another human being against their will.
Washington will be sentenced Monday before Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese.
He has 30 days from the date of his sentencing to appeal the decision.
Washington is the second Cash Feenz defendant to be found guilty in the 2006 double murder, after Ashley Toye who was previously sentenced to life without parole.
Co-defendants Kemar Johnston, Kenneth Lopez and Paul Nunez still await trial in the case.
Melissa Rivera, Iriana Santos, Alexis Fernandez, Cody Roux and Michael Balint have each pleaded guilty to lesser crimes and will receive prison sentences varying between 14 and 26 years in exchange for their testimony during the trials of their remaining co-defendants.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Roderick Washington 'Cash Feenz' retrial day 4
4:32 -- Jury finds Washington guilty
A jury has found Roderick Washington, 19, guilty of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the 2006 slayings of Alexis, 18, and Jeffrey Sosa, 14.
After approximately three hours of deliberations, the jury brought back a guilty verdict on all four counts.
Sentencing before Judge Thomas Reese will be Monday.
Washington is accused of holding the Sosas at gunpoint as they were tortured in the kitchen of co-defendant Kemar Johnston's home, and also of helping carry the Sosas to the trunk of a car used to drive them to an industrial site where they were killed.
Washington, who was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial and sentenced to 30 years, faces a life sentence as a result of today's guilty verdicts.
3:29 -- writer's note: The jury asked if the principal rule applied to Washington holding a firearm during the commission of the crimes of which he is accused, a subsection of the verdict form. Judge Reese told the jury Washington alone had to be holding a gun to find guilt in that subsection. The jury has returned to deliberations.
3:23 -- writer's correction: The jury has asked a question about the verdict forms. It is unclear how close they are to reaching a verdict at this point. Council is discussing the issue with judge Reese.
3:20 -- writer's note: It appears the jury has reached a verdict. Washington and council have been brought back into the courtroom.
2:48 -- The jury enters its second hour of deliberations. Little has transpired in the courtroom. Bailiffs and reporters chat lightly.
2:05 -- several pleas were entered with judge Reese as Roderick Washington's jury continues to deliberate this afternoon. Those cases have concluded and only court personnel and media persons remain in Reese's 8th-floor courtroom, overlooking the Caloosahatchee River from the new Justice Center annex building.
1:42 -- writer's note: The jury has been given written copies of the judge's instructions and begins their deliberations.
1:30 -- writer's note: The jury will return from lunch shortly to begin deliberations in Washington's double-murder trial. It appears several other cases will be addressed by judge Reese this afternoon; the courtroom is speckled with those involved in other cases and their lawyers, who will address those cases after Washington's jury is ushered into the jury room.
11:32 -- Closing statements in Washington trial focus on witness reliability
Following closing arguments and the judge’s instructions in the double-murder retrial of 19-year-old Roderick Washington, one alternate juror will be dismissed and the remaining 12 jurors will begin their deliberations. They must decide if Washington is guilty of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the 2006 slayings of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa.
Washington, accused with nine others in the tortures and killings of the Sosas at a Cape Coral birthday party, faces life in prison if convicted. Witness testimony during trial suggested Washington held the Sosas at gunpoint as they were tortured in the kitchen of co-defendant Kemar Johnston’s home, and also helped carry the Sosas to the trunk of a car used to drive them to an industrial site where they were killed.
“It’s almost impossible to make any sense of at all,” Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr said during closing arguments. “This started out as a birthday party, which most of us think as a happy thing, and ended up with these two teenagers tortured for hours, shot, and one of them burned beyond recognition. Each of these acts taken alone is enough to turn your stomach, but put these together and it’s enough to blow the mind of a rational person.”
Though several witnesses who testified against Washington were co-defendants who had taken plea deals from the state, Doerr suggested that inconsistencies among the witnesses showed they were truthful.
“We didn’t choose these witnesses,” Doerr said. “Mr. Washington chose these witnesses. These are his friends. You have a bunch of self-absorbed people, high on drugs and alcohol, wandering in and out of the kitchen. It’s not perfect, it’s not bought and payed for, obviously they’re not coached.”
Defense attorney Paul Sullivan argued the inconsistencies in testimony and lack of physical evidence against Washington created reasonable doubt. A majority of witnesses were drunk and high on narcotics during Johnston’s party, he said.
“Those who’ve drank too much know what it can do to their minds,” Sullivan said. “We know from testimony that marijuana only makes it worse. We’ve heard the effect that Xanex has on your mind. How dare they come in here and pretend to have an accurate memory.”
Sullivan pointed to three police witnesses whose recollections differed on whether Alexis Sosa’s body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in the trunk of a car or in a body bag.
“These people are sober. If you see that in three professionals who have no interest in this case, then when you start looking at the testimony from these other witnesses here, you’ll see that there’s no evidence against Rod Washington beyond a reasonable doubt because there can’t be,” Sullivan said. “The cops can’t remember. That’s why they write it down.”
Sullivan also dismissed the notion of peer pressure as an element of Washington’s trial.
“If they would suggest that peer pressure is enough to make a person commit murder, then I would submit to you that to sit and wait in a prison cell in this county for a chance to testify in this trial, with a chance they’ll never leave those prison walls, is a pressure those teenagers have never heard of,” he said. “It’s enough to make them remember things any way they have to.”
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee is continuing closing statements.
A jury has found Roderick Washington, 19, guilty of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the 2006 slayings of Alexis, 18, and Jeffrey Sosa, 14.
After approximately three hours of deliberations, the jury brought back a guilty verdict on all four counts.
Sentencing before Judge Thomas Reese will be Monday.
Washington is accused of holding the Sosas at gunpoint as they were tortured in the kitchen of co-defendant Kemar Johnston's home, and also of helping carry the Sosas to the trunk of a car used to drive them to an industrial site where they were killed.
Washington, who was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial and sentenced to 30 years, faces a life sentence as a result of today's guilty verdicts.
3:29 -- writer's note: The jury asked if the principal rule applied to Washington holding a firearm during the commission of the crimes of which he is accused, a subsection of the verdict form. Judge Reese told the jury Washington alone had to be holding a gun to find guilt in that subsection. The jury has returned to deliberations.
3:23 -- writer's correction: The jury has asked a question about the verdict forms. It is unclear how close they are to reaching a verdict at this point. Council is discussing the issue with judge Reese.
3:20 -- writer's note: It appears the jury has reached a verdict. Washington and council have been brought back into the courtroom.
2:48 -- The jury enters its second hour of deliberations. Little has transpired in the courtroom. Bailiffs and reporters chat lightly.
2:05 -- several pleas were entered with judge Reese as Roderick Washington's jury continues to deliberate this afternoon. Those cases have concluded and only court personnel and media persons remain in Reese's 8th-floor courtroom, overlooking the Caloosahatchee River from the new Justice Center annex building.
1:42 -- writer's note: The jury has been given written copies of the judge's instructions and begins their deliberations.
1:30 -- writer's note: The jury will return from lunch shortly to begin deliberations in Washington's double-murder trial. It appears several other cases will be addressed by judge Reese this afternoon; the courtroom is speckled with those involved in other cases and their lawyers, who will address those cases after Washington's jury is ushered into the jury room.
11:32 -- Closing statements in Washington trial focus on witness reliability
Following closing arguments and the judge’s instructions in the double-murder retrial of 19-year-old Roderick Washington, one alternate juror will be dismissed and the remaining 12 jurors will begin their deliberations. They must decide if Washington is guilty of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the 2006 slayings of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa.
Washington, accused with nine others in the tortures and killings of the Sosas at a Cape Coral birthday party, faces life in prison if convicted. Witness testimony during trial suggested Washington held the Sosas at gunpoint as they were tortured in the kitchen of co-defendant Kemar Johnston’s home, and also helped carry the Sosas to the trunk of a car used to drive them to an industrial site where they were killed.
“It’s almost impossible to make any sense of at all,” Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr said during closing arguments. “This started out as a birthday party, which most of us think as a happy thing, and ended up with these two teenagers tortured for hours, shot, and one of them burned beyond recognition. Each of these acts taken alone is enough to turn your stomach, but put these together and it’s enough to blow the mind of a rational person.”
Though several witnesses who testified against Washington were co-defendants who had taken plea deals from the state, Doerr suggested that inconsistencies among the witnesses showed they were truthful.
“We didn’t choose these witnesses,” Doerr said. “Mr. Washington chose these witnesses. These are his friends. You have a bunch of self-absorbed people, high on drugs and alcohol, wandering in and out of the kitchen. It’s not perfect, it’s not bought and payed for, obviously they’re not coached.”
Defense attorney Paul Sullivan argued the inconsistencies in testimony and lack of physical evidence against Washington created reasonable doubt. A majority of witnesses were drunk and high on narcotics during Johnston’s party, he said.
“Those who’ve drank too much know what it can do to their minds,” Sullivan said. “We know from testimony that marijuana only makes it worse. We’ve heard the effect that Xanex has on your mind. How dare they come in here and pretend to have an accurate memory.”
Sullivan pointed to three police witnesses whose recollections differed on whether Alexis Sosa’s body was taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in the trunk of a car or in a body bag.
“These people are sober. If you see that in three professionals who have no interest in this case, then when you start looking at the testimony from these other witnesses here, you’ll see that there’s no evidence against Rod Washington beyond a reasonable doubt because there can’t be,” Sullivan said. “The cops can’t remember. That’s why they write it down.”
Sullivan also dismissed the notion of peer pressure as an element of Washington’s trial.
“If they would suggest that peer pressure is enough to make a person commit murder, then I would submit to you that to sit and wait in a prison cell in this county for a chance to testify in this trial, with a chance they’ll never leave those prison walls, is a pressure those teenagers have never heard of,” he said. “It’s enough to make them remember things any way they have to.”
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee is continuing closing statements.
Washington won’t testify in his own defense
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and the Naples Daily News 7/11/09
Police told Roderick Washington he had the right to remain silent when arrested in the 2006 double-slaying of 18-year-old Alexis Sosa and his nephew Jeffrey Sosa, 16, and, as is his right, he will maintain his silence through two felony murder trials.
Washington told Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese, who is presiding the 19-year-old's retrial, he understood the decision he was making and would not testify on his own behalf. He also chose to remain silent during his first trial in May.
"You understand that you must live with the ramifications of this decision," Reese told Washington.
"Yes, sir," he said, the only words he has spoken thus far during the trial.
Washington is accused with nine others in the binding, beating, torture and killing of the Sosas at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's birthday party Oct. 6, 2006. Washington and Johnston are allegedly members of the "Cash Feenz" rap group accused in the tortures and killings.
A Lee County jury found Washington guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial, and he has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. However, the jury deadlocked on two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping and Washington is now being retried on those counts by another 12-juror panel.
He faces life in prison if convicted.
Assistant state attorneys Bob Lee and Marie Doerr have spent the past two days calling witness after witness to testify about Washington's alleged involvement in the Sosa murders: holding them at gunpoint as they were beaten, carved into with knives, Tasered and covered in bleach, and helping transport them to a north Cape Coral industrial site where they were shot to death.
Party-goers and co-defendants testified to the details of the Sosas' killings Thursday and Friday, and all seemed to remember Washington's role that night.
However, when pressed by defense attorney Paul Sullivan to accurately produce other details about the night, their memories seemed to falter. Some admitted to relying on prior statements or were called out on inconsistencies throughout multiple statements, including those made during Washington's first trial.
Co-defendant Alex Fernandez said he saw Washington "squatting down on the floor with a rifle in his lap," and later hitting Alexis Sosa in the head with a pistol.
Fernandez recalled that, while at the industrial site where the Sosas were killed, he saw Johnston and another individual shooting into the trunk of the Sosas' Lexus where the two teens had been placed. He said he couldn't see who the second shooter was, despite earlier statements that it was co-defendant Kenneth Lopez.
Sullivan recited the earlier statement before the jury, a legal process referred to as impeaching a witness. The statement said that Fernandez pegged Lopez as the second shooter at the industrial site. Lopez was also Fernandez's cell mate in the Lee County Jail and in 2007 admitted to shooting Alexis and Jeffrey in the head to "make sure they were dead," the statement read.
"Does that refresh your recollection?" Sullivan asked Fernandez.
Fernandez said no, it didn't.
"I just thought about it and focused, and I can't be 100 percent sure," Fernandez explained.
Andrew Touchstone and Michael Taylor both said they witnessed Washington's involvement, stating again that he held both a rifle and a handgun on the Sosas, but Touchstone couldn't remember if Paul Nunez held an AK-47 or a handgun as he guarded the door at Johnston's home.
He was absolutely sure that Cody Roux, who stood directly next to Nunez, held an AK-47.
Aside from Washington, accounts varied throughout the state's witness list on who else at the party held or didn't hold guns and what kind of guns were brandished.
The only physical evidence presented at trial that may link Washington to the killings was a .22 rifle he allegedly used to hold Jeffrey and Alexis at gunpoint.
Ryan Peters said he bought a .22 rifle from Washington that looked similar in size and color to the one presented as evidence, but that he couldn't be sure it was the same gun.
After finding out the Sosas had been killed on the news, Peters said he dumped the gun in a canal.
"I didn't want it coming back on me," he said.
Reese denied a motion by Sullivan to have Washington acquitted on all counts, and reserved closing arguments for Monday morning at 9 a.m.
After that, the jury will be asked to decide Washington's fate.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and the Naples Daily News 7/11/09
Police told Roderick Washington he had the right to remain silent when arrested in the 2006 double-slaying of 18-year-old Alexis Sosa and his nephew Jeffrey Sosa, 16, and, as is his right, he will maintain his silence through two felony murder trials.
Washington told Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese, who is presiding the 19-year-old's retrial, he understood the decision he was making and would not testify on his own behalf. He also chose to remain silent during his first trial in May.
"You understand that you must live with the ramifications of this decision," Reese told Washington.
"Yes, sir," he said, the only words he has spoken thus far during the trial.
Washington is accused with nine others in the binding, beating, torture and killing of the Sosas at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's birthday party Oct. 6, 2006. Washington and Johnston are allegedly members of the "Cash Feenz" rap group accused in the tortures and killings.
A Lee County jury found Washington guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial, and he has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. However, the jury deadlocked on two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping and Washington is now being retried on those counts by another 12-juror panel.
He faces life in prison if convicted.
Assistant state attorneys Bob Lee and Marie Doerr have spent the past two days calling witness after witness to testify about Washington's alleged involvement in the Sosa murders: holding them at gunpoint as they were beaten, carved into with knives, Tasered and covered in bleach, and helping transport them to a north Cape Coral industrial site where they were shot to death.
Party-goers and co-defendants testified to the details of the Sosas' killings Thursday and Friday, and all seemed to remember Washington's role that night.
However, when pressed by defense attorney Paul Sullivan to accurately produce other details about the night, their memories seemed to falter. Some admitted to relying on prior statements or were called out on inconsistencies throughout multiple statements, including those made during Washington's first trial.
Co-defendant Alex Fernandez said he saw Washington "squatting down on the floor with a rifle in his lap," and later hitting Alexis Sosa in the head with a pistol.
Fernandez recalled that, while at the industrial site where the Sosas were killed, he saw Johnston and another individual shooting into the trunk of the Sosas' Lexus where the two teens had been placed. He said he couldn't see who the second shooter was, despite earlier statements that it was co-defendant Kenneth Lopez.
Sullivan recited the earlier statement before the jury, a legal process referred to as impeaching a witness. The statement said that Fernandez pegged Lopez as the second shooter at the industrial site. Lopez was also Fernandez's cell mate in the Lee County Jail and in 2007 admitted to shooting Alexis and Jeffrey in the head to "make sure they were dead," the statement read.
"Does that refresh your recollection?" Sullivan asked Fernandez.
Fernandez said no, it didn't.
"I just thought about it and focused, and I can't be 100 percent sure," Fernandez explained.
Andrew Touchstone and Michael Taylor both said they witnessed Washington's involvement, stating again that he held both a rifle and a handgun on the Sosas, but Touchstone couldn't remember if Paul Nunez held an AK-47 or a handgun as he guarded the door at Johnston's home.
He was absolutely sure that Cody Roux, who stood directly next to Nunez, held an AK-47.
Aside from Washington, accounts varied throughout the state's witness list on who else at the party held or didn't hold guns and what kind of guns were brandished.
The only physical evidence presented at trial that may link Washington to the killings was a .22 rifle he allegedly used to hold Jeffrey and Alexis at gunpoint.
Ryan Peters said he bought a .22 rifle from Washington that looked similar in size and color to the one presented as evidence, but that he couldn't be sure it was the same gun.
After finding out the Sosas had been killed on the news, Peters said he dumped the gun in a canal.
"I didn't want it coming back on me," he said.
Reese denied a motion by Sullivan to have Washington acquitted on all counts, and reserved closing arguments for Monday morning at 9 a.m.
After that, the jury will be asked to decide Washington's fate.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Roderick Washington 'Cash Feenz' retrial day 3
2:25 -- 'Cash Feenz' defendant will not testify
Roderick Washington will not testify on his own behalf.
Both sides have now rested their cases in the retrial of Washington, a 19-year-old double-murder defendant.
Presiding Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese has denied the defense?'s request to acquit Washington of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping.
Several more witnesses from the night Alexis Sosa, 18, and his 14-year-old nephew Jeffrey were tortured and killed have pointed to Washington as holding the victims at gunpoint and aiding in taking them to a north Cape Coral industrial park where they were fatally shot.
Andrew Touchstone and Michael Taylor, who attended co-defendant Kemar Johnston?'s 2006 birthday party, said they saw Washington holding a rifle and later a handgun that he used to pistol whip Alexis Sosa.
Touchstone had trouble recalling what kinds of guns others in the house were holding the evening the Sosas were killed.
Ryan Peters, a friend of co-defendant Kenneth Lopez, said he purchased a .22-caliber rifle from Washington for protection. He testified that he later threw the weapon in a canal upon learning the Sosas had been killed.
"I didn't want it coming back on me," he said.
Reese told the jury the trial would break early for the day.
"I doubt we could have this back to the jury before 6 p.m. or later," Reese
said, stating it would be more appropriate to resume Monday
He stressed the importance of avoiding media accounts of the trial over the weekend.
Closing arguments will begin Monday at 9 a.m.
11:17 -- Co-defendant Fernandez testifies in Washington re-trial
Alex Fernandez is yet another co-defendant who has pegged Roderick Washington as holding Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa at gunpoint when they were tortured in Kemar Johnston's home, and then helping take the Sosas to a north Cape industrial park where they were killed in 2006.
"He was squatting down on the floor with a rifle in his lap," Fernandez testified.
Washington also pistol whipped Alexis with a handgun at one point, he said.
Fernandez testified that Washington and co-defendant Kenneth Lopez carried the Sosas from the home and put them in the trunk of a car, and that Fernandez drove at Johnston's threats.
"Basically if I didn't comply, I could end up like the Sosas also," he said.
Fernandez said a .380 later found in the glove box of his car was not his.
Fernandez said he had never heard of or been a part of the Cash Feenz, the rap group accused in the slayings.
10:30 -- Medical examiner testifies as Washington retrial resumes
The retrial of Roderick Washington in the 2006 murders of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa has resumed.
Washington faces two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping in the double-slaying.
This morning the state called Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf, who described the autopsy findings of the Sosas.
Pfalzgraf said Alexis had been shot at least four times, two of which were fatal. Due to the condition of his burnt remains, it is unclear whether or not other bullets had entered his body.
Alexis Sosa had been burned in the trunk of a car in a north Cape Coral industrial park, while Jeffrey Sosa's body was found on the ground near the vehicle.
A lack of any significant amount of carbon monoxide in the Sosas' lungs indicated they had suffered fatal gunshot wounds prior to the car having been set fire to, Pfalzgraf said. Small amounts of carbon monoxide, such as the amount found in Jeffrey's lungs, could indicate cigarette smoke or various other things.
"It is my opinion (Alexis Sosa) was not alive when he was burned," he said.
Defense attorney Paul Sullivan is asking Pfalzgraf questions about the transportation of the Sosas bodies from the industrial site to the Medical Examiner's Office and about the autopsy process.
Roderick Washington will not testify on his own behalf.
Both sides have now rested their cases in the retrial of Washington, a 19-year-old double-murder defendant.
Presiding Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese has denied the defense?'s request to acquit Washington of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping.
Several more witnesses from the night Alexis Sosa, 18, and his 14-year-old nephew Jeffrey were tortured and killed have pointed to Washington as holding the victims at gunpoint and aiding in taking them to a north Cape Coral industrial park where they were fatally shot.
Andrew Touchstone and Michael Taylor, who attended co-defendant Kemar Johnston?'s 2006 birthday party, said they saw Washington holding a rifle and later a handgun that he used to pistol whip Alexis Sosa.
Touchstone had trouble recalling what kinds of guns others in the house were holding the evening the Sosas were killed.
Ryan Peters, a friend of co-defendant Kenneth Lopez, said he purchased a .22-caliber rifle from Washington for protection. He testified that he later threw the weapon in a canal upon learning the Sosas had been killed.
"I didn't want it coming back on me," he said.
Reese told the jury the trial would break early for the day.
"I doubt we could have this back to the jury before 6 p.m. or later," Reese
said, stating it would be more appropriate to resume Monday
He stressed the importance of avoiding media accounts of the trial over the weekend.
Closing arguments will begin Monday at 9 a.m.
11:17 -- Co-defendant Fernandez testifies in Washington re-trial
Alex Fernandez is yet another co-defendant who has pegged Roderick Washington as holding Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa at gunpoint when they were tortured in Kemar Johnston's home, and then helping take the Sosas to a north Cape industrial park where they were killed in 2006.
"He was squatting down on the floor with a rifle in his lap," Fernandez testified.
Washington also pistol whipped Alexis with a handgun at one point, he said.
Fernandez testified that Washington and co-defendant Kenneth Lopez carried the Sosas from the home and put them in the trunk of a car, and that Fernandez drove at Johnston's threats.
"Basically if I didn't comply, I could end up like the Sosas also," he said.
Fernandez said a .380 later found in the glove box of his car was not his.
Fernandez said he had never heard of or been a part of the Cash Feenz, the rap group accused in the slayings.
10:30 -- Medical examiner testifies as Washington retrial resumes
The retrial of Roderick Washington in the 2006 murders of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa has resumed.
Washington faces two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping in the double-slaying.
This morning the state called Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf, who described the autopsy findings of the Sosas.
Pfalzgraf said Alexis had been shot at least four times, two of which were fatal. Due to the condition of his burnt remains, it is unclear whether or not other bullets had entered his body.
Alexis Sosa had been burned in the trunk of a car in a north Cape Coral industrial park, while Jeffrey Sosa's body was found on the ground near the vehicle.
A lack of any significant amount of carbon monoxide in the Sosas' lungs indicated they had suffered fatal gunshot wounds prior to the car having been set fire to, Pfalzgraf said. Small amounts of carbon monoxide, such as the amount found in Jeffrey's lungs, could indicate cigarette smoke or various other things.
"It is my opinion (Alexis Sosa) was not alive when he was burned," he said.
Defense attorney Paul Sullivan is asking Pfalzgraf questions about the transportation of the Sosas bodies from the industrial site to the Medical Examiner's Office and about the autopsy process.
Washington’s retrial begins with witness testimony; Co-defendants, others recall event
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and Naples Daily News 7/10/09
One by one, familiar faces took the stand Thursday to testify about the night Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa were terrorized and murdered.
Eyewitnesses, co-defendants and police painted a picture for the second time of the 2006 beating, torture and double slaying, allegedly at the hands of a rap group called the "Cash Feenz," during the first day of Roderick Washington's retrial.
Washington, one of 10 accused in the killings, faces life in prison if convicted of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping.
He was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in May and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The jury could not reach a decision on the remaining four counts and a mistrial was declared.
"These young teens, Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa, were tied up, beat, Tasered, carved with knives, bleach was poured into their wounds and onto their faces. They were shot, killed and eventually set on fire," Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr said during opening statements. "This is a case that starts out a mob mentality, peer pressure at its ugliest."
Doerr described a night of drugs, alcohol and brutal violence at the birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston.
The Sosas' deaths were the result of the cooperation of many individuals acting together, one of whom was Washington, she said.
Defense Attorney Paul Sullivan agreed that a heinous crime had occurred, but argued the evidence cannot prove the details of Washington's involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
Part of what makes the evidence unreliable, he said, are witnesses who had either been intoxicated the night of the killings or had received plea bargains from the state.
"What else happened that night?" Sullivan asked the jury. "Who did what? Who poured bleach on these poor kids? Who hit somebody with a gun? Who did this, who did that, who did what, when?
"All of that evidence is locked up in the heads of young people whose minds were messed up on drugs and alcohol that night, who've told lie after lie after lie," he said.
Those who attended Johnston's birthday party recalled Washington holding the Sosas at gunpoint while they were tortured and driving out to a north Cape Coral industrial park where the Sosas were fatally shot.
William Arciszewski, who attended the party and produced rap music for the Cash Feenz, said a cell phone voice message sparked the violence toward Jeffrey and Alexis when they came to the party.
"It was like when they showed up you could hear a pin drop," he said. "They started beating them. I could hear plates breaking and everything."
Arciszewski said that from his hiding place in Johnston's bathroom, he heard a gunshot and Alexis pleading for his life as his back was carved with knives.
"I recall very vividly," he said. "It's one of the things that sticks out the most in my mind, Jeffrey Sosa begging for his life. He said, 'I have a lot to live for, don't kill me.'"
Arciszewski recalled seeing the Sosas carried out of Johnston's home through the garage area, and that Alexis had a black bag covering his head.
Several individuals, including Washington and co-defendants Paul Nunez, Kenneth Lopez, Iriana Santos and Melissa Rivera, left Johnston's home with the Sosas and later returned after Jeffrey and Alexis had been killed, he said.
"There's no nice way to put it," Arciszewski said. "(The Sosas) were taken out like they were trash. They were taken out like they didn't matter."
He said he was afraid that if he left Johnston's home or called the police he would be killed. Arciszewski told the jury that the Cash Feenz transformed from a rap group into a violent lifestyle, which he rejected.
"It's like they began living the music they made," he said. "To me, music is expression. They overdid it."
Sullivan attempted to disprove that Arciszewski disapproved of the lifestyle by discussing an Internet picture of him holding a gun and a rap album of Arciszewski's called "Enemy of the State" with explicit lyrics.
Arciszewski said his lifestyle has changed and he no longer associates with the Cash Feenz.
Co-defendants Michael Balint, Melissa Rivera and Iriana Santos have taken the stand. All three said Washington held either a handgun or a rifle on the Sosas at various times throughout the evening as they were tortured.
Balint, Rivera and Santos have stricken plea deals with the state for lighter sentences in exchange for their testimony against their co-defendants.
Balint, who hogtied Alexis with shoelaces, said he saw Washington holding a gun prior to leaving Johnston's home.
"He was poking them in the ribs with it, telling them not to move and stuff," Balint told the jury.
Rivera and Santos, who said they were active participants in the assault on the Sosas, testified to Washington having held a gun throughout the night and going to the industrial site where the Sosas were killed.
Sullivan questioned how Rivera could recall Washington being armed, but could not recall whether he held a rifle or handgun. She also could not describe the knife or Taser she allegedly used on Alexis.
Rivera said she did not remember that night, only what she had read from a recent statement to state attorneys.
Cape Coral detective Kurt Grau and forensics supervisor Larry Stringham discussed evidence they found at the industrial site and Johnston's home, including bullets and casings, a handgun, shoe prints, tire tracks and a comforter with the DNA of Alexis.
Washington's trial continues today at 9 a.m. and will likely continue through early next week.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and Naples Daily News 7/10/09
One by one, familiar faces took the stand Thursday to testify about the night Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa were terrorized and murdered.
Eyewitnesses, co-defendants and police painted a picture for the second time of the 2006 beating, torture and double slaying, allegedly at the hands of a rap group called the "Cash Feenz," during the first day of Roderick Washington's retrial.
Washington, one of 10 accused in the killings, faces life in prison if convicted of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping.
He was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in May and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. The jury could not reach a decision on the remaining four counts and a mistrial was declared.
"These young teens, Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa, were tied up, beat, Tasered, carved with knives, bleach was poured into their wounds and onto their faces. They were shot, killed and eventually set on fire," Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr said during opening statements. "This is a case that starts out a mob mentality, peer pressure at its ugliest."
Doerr described a night of drugs, alcohol and brutal violence at the birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston.
The Sosas' deaths were the result of the cooperation of many individuals acting together, one of whom was Washington, she said.
Defense Attorney Paul Sullivan agreed that a heinous crime had occurred, but argued the evidence cannot prove the details of Washington's involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
Part of what makes the evidence unreliable, he said, are witnesses who had either been intoxicated the night of the killings or had received plea bargains from the state.
"What else happened that night?" Sullivan asked the jury. "Who did what? Who poured bleach on these poor kids? Who hit somebody with a gun? Who did this, who did that, who did what, when?
"All of that evidence is locked up in the heads of young people whose minds were messed up on drugs and alcohol that night, who've told lie after lie after lie," he said.
Those who attended Johnston's birthday party recalled Washington holding the Sosas at gunpoint while they were tortured and driving out to a north Cape Coral industrial park where the Sosas were fatally shot.
William Arciszewski, who attended the party and produced rap music for the Cash Feenz, said a cell phone voice message sparked the violence toward Jeffrey and Alexis when they came to the party.
"It was like when they showed up you could hear a pin drop," he said. "They started beating them. I could hear plates breaking and everything."
Arciszewski said that from his hiding place in Johnston's bathroom, he heard a gunshot and Alexis pleading for his life as his back was carved with knives.
"I recall very vividly," he said. "It's one of the things that sticks out the most in my mind, Jeffrey Sosa begging for his life. He said, 'I have a lot to live for, don't kill me.'"
Arciszewski recalled seeing the Sosas carried out of Johnston's home through the garage area, and that Alexis had a black bag covering his head.
Several individuals, including Washington and co-defendants Paul Nunez, Kenneth Lopez, Iriana Santos and Melissa Rivera, left Johnston's home with the Sosas and later returned after Jeffrey and Alexis had been killed, he said.
"There's no nice way to put it," Arciszewski said. "(The Sosas) were taken out like they were trash. They were taken out like they didn't matter."
He said he was afraid that if he left Johnston's home or called the police he would be killed. Arciszewski told the jury that the Cash Feenz transformed from a rap group into a violent lifestyle, which he rejected.
"It's like they began living the music they made," he said. "To me, music is expression. They overdid it."
Sullivan attempted to disprove that Arciszewski disapproved of the lifestyle by discussing an Internet picture of him holding a gun and a rap album of Arciszewski's called "Enemy of the State" with explicit lyrics.
Arciszewski said his lifestyle has changed and he no longer associates with the Cash Feenz.
Co-defendants Michael Balint, Melissa Rivera and Iriana Santos have taken the stand. All three said Washington held either a handgun or a rifle on the Sosas at various times throughout the evening as they were tortured.
Balint, Rivera and Santos have stricken plea deals with the state for lighter sentences in exchange for their testimony against their co-defendants.
Balint, who hogtied Alexis with shoelaces, said he saw Washington holding a gun prior to leaving Johnston's home.
"He was poking them in the ribs with it, telling them not to move and stuff," Balint told the jury.
Rivera and Santos, who said they were active participants in the assault on the Sosas, testified to Washington having held a gun throughout the night and going to the industrial site where the Sosas were killed.
Sullivan questioned how Rivera could recall Washington being armed, but could not recall whether he held a rifle or handgun. She also could not describe the knife or Taser she allegedly used on Alexis.
Rivera said she did not remember that night, only what she had read from a recent statement to state attorneys.
Cape Coral detective Kurt Grau and forensics supervisor Larry Stringham discussed evidence they found at the industrial site and Johnston's home, including bullets and casings, a handgun, shoe prints, tire tracks and a comforter with the DNA of Alexis.
Washington's trial continues today at 9 a.m. and will likely continue through early next week.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Roderick Washington 'Cash Feenz' retrial day 2
3:30 -- Party-goers testify to Washington's involvement in "Cash Feenz" murders
The state has called two party-goers to testify about the evening Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa were brutally murdered.
Both have placed Roderick Washington at co-defendant Kemar Johnston’s 2006 birthday party holding the Sosas at gunpoint as they were bound, beat and tortured.
William Arciszewski said he saw Washington holding a rifle to the Sosas, and that Johnston also had a firearm. He testified that a cell phone voice message sparked the violence towards Jeffrey and Alexis when they came to Johnston’s party.
“It was like when they showed up you could hear a pin drop,” Arciszewski said. “They started beating them. I could hear plates breaking and everything.”
Arciszewski said that, from his hiding place in Johnston’s bathroom, he heard a gunshot and Alexis Sosa pleading for his life and screaming as his back was carved with knives.
“I recall very vividly,” he said. “It’s one of the things that sticks out the most in my mind, Jeffrey Sosa begging for his life. He said, ‘I have a lot to live for, don’t kill me.’”
Arciszewski recalled seeing the Sosas carried out of Johnston’s home through the garage area, and also that Alexis Sosa had a black bag covering his head.
Several individuals, including Washington and co-defendants Paul Nunez and Kenneth Lopez, left Johnston’s home with the Sosas and later returned to the home after they’d killed Jeffrey and Alexis, Arciszewski said.
“There’s no nice way to put it,” he said. “(The Sosas) were taken out like they were trash. They were taken out like they didn’t matter.”
Arciszewski said he was afraid that if he left Johnston’s home or called the police he would be killed. He told the jury the Cash Feenz transformed from a rap group into a violent lifestyle, one which he rejected.
“It’s like they began living the music they made,” he said. “To me, music is expression. They overdid it.”
Donteavious Overmyer, Washington’s friend, said he was the first to hit Alexis Sosa in the face, cutting his hand open and beginning the onslaught of violence against the Sosas. He said Washington held a handgun on the Sosas, and later a rifle.
Attorneys are now questioning co-defendant Iriana Santos.
11:45 -- Co-defendant, police testify in Washington retrial
Michael Balint, a co-defendant in the Roderick Washington double-murder retrial, has taken the stand as a state's witness.
Balint is accused of hogtying Alexis Sosa with shoelaces prior to the Sosas being tortured and killed at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's birthday party in 2006. He has accepted a plea deal to serve 14 years in prison for two counts of kidnaping in exchange for his testimony.
He is also serving a concurrent 5-year prison term for battery on an inmate.
Balint said he beat Kenneth Mitchell, a man convicted of killing his best friend.
Balint told jurors he had spent the night drinking, smoking pot and taking Xanex the night the Sosas were killed. He testified to visiting the strip club Emerald City in Port Charlotte before going to Kemar Johnston's house to buy pot at 2 a.m.
Balint testified that Washington held a handgun to the Sosas as they sat on the floor of Johnston's home, and later a .22 rifle.
"He was poking them in the ribs with it, telling them not to move and stuff," Balint told the jury.
Balint said he went home prior to the torture and killing of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa and did not witness the acts. He said he was still intoxicated the next day, and did not know who called him to tell him the Sosas had been killed.
Larry Stringham, forensic supervisor for the Cape Coral Police Department, testified to evidence found at the north Cape industrial site where the Sosas' bodies were discovered as well as at Johnston's home. Evidence found includes bullet casings, live rounds, shoe and tire prints and a comforter containing Alexis Sosa's DNA.
Additionally, a firearm was later discovered under insulation in Johnston's attic, which had not been located there initially.
The trial is in recess for lunch, and will resume at 1:20 p.m.
10:30 -- State begins case against Cash Feenz defendant Washington
Both the state and defense have given opening arguments this morning in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington.
Kurtis Grau, the lead Cape Coral detective in the 2006 murders of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa, is currently on the witness stand. The jury is being shown a forensics video of the north Cape industrial site where the charred remains of the Sosas and a vehicle were discovered. The video was also shown during Washington’s first trial.
Washington’s friends and family are among those watching the video quietly.
Brian Lauer, an Operations Lt. for the Cape Coral Fire Department, also testified. Lauer was a first responder to a vehicle fire Oct. 7, 2006 at the industrial site where the Sosas were found. Lauer said he discovered a bloody blanket among the remains, which he brought to the attention of police.
“These young teens, Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa, were tied up, beat, tasered, carved with knives, bleach was poured into their wounds and onto their faces. They were shot, killed and eventually set on fire,” Marie Doerr said during opening statements. “This is a case that starts out a mob mentality, peer pressure at its ugliest.”
Doerr described a night of drugs, alcohol and brutal violence at the birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston. The Sosas’ deaths were the result of the cooperation of many individuals acting together, one of whom was Washington, she said.
Defense Attorney Paul Sullivan agreed that a heinous crime had occurred, but argued the evidence couldn’t prove the details of Washington’s involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
Part of what made the evidence unreliable, Sullivan said, was the unreliability of witnesses who were either intoxicated or had received plea bargains from the state.
“What else happened that night?” Sullivan asked the jury. “Who did what? Who poured bleach on these poor kids? Who hit somebody with a gun? Who did this, who did that, who did what, when? All of that evidence is locked up in the heads of young people whose minds were messed up on drugs and alcohol that night, who’ve told lie after lie after lie.”
Sullivan pointed specifically to the inconsistent statements of co-defendant and state’s witness Alex Fernandez regarding the slayings.
“There’s not going to be evidence of anything to indicate that Rod Washington is guilty of first-degree murder,” Sullivan said. “There’s not going to be evidence that Rod Washington is guilty of a kidnaping.”
9:45 -- Juror dismissed in Cash Feenz re-trial
The 14-person jury of Roderick Washington’s double-murder retrial, two of whom were alternates, has been reduced by one after presiding Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese learned Thursday morning that one of the jurors attempted to discuss the case with a Cape Coral detective on multiple occasions.
The jury was seated hardly more than 12 hours ago in Washington's retrial in the 2006 double-murder of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa, allegedly perpetrated by a rap group called the Cash Feenz. He is one of 10 accused in the binding, torturing and killing of the Sosas at a house party in Cape Coral.
Reese voiced his concerns about the male juror's prior vocalizations of the case to the detective. "What he had to say to him I do not know, but it doesn't really matter," Reese said. “He has already demonstrated issues of concern to be a juror in this case. What concerns me more than anything: what, if anything, has he said to the other jurors?”
The juror told Reese he called the detective's son to discuss football, and mentioned his participation as a juror in passing to the detective, but did not recall prior conversations. Each of the remaining 13 jurors said they had neither discussed the case nor watched media accounts. Washington was convicted in May of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping, charges the jury deadlocked on during his first trial.
Attorneys are now giving their opening statements.
The state has called two party-goers to testify about the evening Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa were brutally murdered.
Both have placed Roderick Washington at co-defendant Kemar Johnston’s 2006 birthday party holding the Sosas at gunpoint as they were bound, beat and tortured.
William Arciszewski said he saw Washington holding a rifle to the Sosas, and that Johnston also had a firearm. He testified that a cell phone voice message sparked the violence towards Jeffrey and Alexis when they came to Johnston’s party.
“It was like when they showed up you could hear a pin drop,” Arciszewski said. “They started beating them. I could hear plates breaking and everything.”
Arciszewski said that, from his hiding place in Johnston’s bathroom, he heard a gunshot and Alexis Sosa pleading for his life and screaming as his back was carved with knives.
“I recall very vividly,” he said. “It’s one of the things that sticks out the most in my mind, Jeffrey Sosa begging for his life. He said, ‘I have a lot to live for, don’t kill me.’”
Arciszewski recalled seeing the Sosas carried out of Johnston’s home through the garage area, and also that Alexis Sosa had a black bag covering his head.
Several individuals, including Washington and co-defendants Paul Nunez and Kenneth Lopez, left Johnston’s home with the Sosas and later returned to the home after they’d killed Jeffrey and Alexis, Arciszewski said.
“There’s no nice way to put it,” he said. “(The Sosas) were taken out like they were trash. They were taken out like they didn’t matter.”
Arciszewski said he was afraid that if he left Johnston’s home or called the police he would be killed. He told the jury the Cash Feenz transformed from a rap group into a violent lifestyle, one which he rejected.
“It’s like they began living the music they made,” he said. “To me, music is expression. They overdid it.”
Donteavious Overmyer, Washington’s friend, said he was the first to hit Alexis Sosa in the face, cutting his hand open and beginning the onslaught of violence against the Sosas. He said Washington held a handgun on the Sosas, and later a rifle.
Attorneys are now questioning co-defendant Iriana Santos.
11:45 -- Co-defendant, police testify in Washington retrial
Michael Balint, a co-defendant in the Roderick Washington double-murder retrial, has taken the stand as a state's witness.
Balint is accused of hogtying Alexis Sosa with shoelaces prior to the Sosas being tortured and killed at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's birthday party in 2006. He has accepted a plea deal to serve 14 years in prison for two counts of kidnaping in exchange for his testimony.
He is also serving a concurrent 5-year prison term for battery on an inmate.
Balint said he beat Kenneth Mitchell, a man convicted of killing his best friend.
Balint told jurors he had spent the night drinking, smoking pot and taking Xanex the night the Sosas were killed. He testified to visiting the strip club Emerald City in Port Charlotte before going to Kemar Johnston's house to buy pot at 2 a.m.
Balint testified that Washington held a handgun to the Sosas as they sat on the floor of Johnston's home, and later a .22 rifle.
"He was poking them in the ribs with it, telling them not to move and stuff," Balint told the jury.
Balint said he went home prior to the torture and killing of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa and did not witness the acts. He said he was still intoxicated the next day, and did not know who called him to tell him the Sosas had been killed.
Larry Stringham, forensic supervisor for the Cape Coral Police Department, testified to evidence found at the north Cape industrial site where the Sosas' bodies were discovered as well as at Johnston's home. Evidence found includes bullet casings, live rounds, shoe and tire prints and a comforter containing Alexis Sosa's DNA.
Additionally, a firearm was later discovered under insulation in Johnston's attic, which had not been located there initially.
The trial is in recess for lunch, and will resume at 1:20 p.m.
10:30 -- State begins case against Cash Feenz defendant Washington
Both the state and defense have given opening arguments this morning in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington.
Kurtis Grau, the lead Cape Coral detective in the 2006 murders of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa, is currently on the witness stand. The jury is being shown a forensics video of the north Cape industrial site where the charred remains of the Sosas and a vehicle were discovered. The video was also shown during Washington’s first trial.
Washington’s friends and family are among those watching the video quietly.
Brian Lauer, an Operations Lt. for the Cape Coral Fire Department, also testified. Lauer was a first responder to a vehicle fire Oct. 7, 2006 at the industrial site where the Sosas were found. Lauer said he discovered a bloody blanket among the remains, which he brought to the attention of police.
“These young teens, Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa, were tied up, beat, tasered, carved with knives, bleach was poured into their wounds and onto their faces. They were shot, killed and eventually set on fire,” Marie Doerr said during opening statements. “This is a case that starts out a mob mentality, peer pressure at its ugliest.”
Doerr described a night of drugs, alcohol and brutal violence at the birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston. The Sosas’ deaths were the result of the cooperation of many individuals acting together, one of whom was Washington, she said.
Defense Attorney Paul Sullivan agreed that a heinous crime had occurred, but argued the evidence couldn’t prove the details of Washington’s involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.
Part of what made the evidence unreliable, Sullivan said, was the unreliability of witnesses who were either intoxicated or had received plea bargains from the state.
“What else happened that night?” Sullivan asked the jury. “Who did what? Who poured bleach on these poor kids? Who hit somebody with a gun? Who did this, who did that, who did what, when? All of that evidence is locked up in the heads of young people whose minds were messed up on drugs and alcohol that night, who’ve told lie after lie after lie.”
Sullivan pointed specifically to the inconsistent statements of co-defendant and state’s witness Alex Fernandez regarding the slayings.
“There’s not going to be evidence of anything to indicate that Rod Washington is guilty of first-degree murder,” Sullivan said. “There’s not going to be evidence that Rod Washington is guilty of a kidnaping.”
9:45 -- Juror dismissed in Cash Feenz re-trial
The 14-person jury of Roderick Washington’s double-murder retrial, two of whom were alternates, has been reduced by one after presiding Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese learned Thursday morning that one of the jurors attempted to discuss the case with a Cape Coral detective on multiple occasions.
The jury was seated hardly more than 12 hours ago in Washington's retrial in the 2006 double-murder of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa, allegedly perpetrated by a rap group called the Cash Feenz. He is one of 10 accused in the binding, torturing and killing of the Sosas at a house party in Cape Coral.
Reese voiced his concerns about the male juror's prior vocalizations of the case to the detective. "What he had to say to him I do not know, but it doesn't really matter," Reese said. “He has already demonstrated issues of concern to be a juror in this case. What concerns me more than anything: what, if anything, has he said to the other jurors?”
The juror told Reese he called the detective's son to discuss football, and mentioned his participation as a juror in passing to the detective, but did not recall prior conversations. Each of the remaining 13 jurors said they had neither discussed the case nor watched media accounts. Washington was convicted in May of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted of two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnapping, charges the jury deadlocked on during his first trial.
Attorneys are now giving their opening statements.
Jury seated in Washington ‘Cash Feenz’ trial — again
By CONNOR HOLMES
published the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, under headline 'Jurors picked for ‘Cash Feenz’ trial; Defendant again facing murder and kidnapping' and in the Naples Daily News under given headline
---
A seemingly daunting task, state and defense attorneys have now seated an unbiased jury for the second time to try Roderick Washington in the highly-publicized "Cash Feenz" double murder case.
The 12-man, two-woman jury, including two alternates, was seated Wednesday afternoon in the courtroom of Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese.
Washington is one of 10 individuals initially charged in the 2006 beating, torture and killing of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa during a birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston.
The Sosas were tied up at gunpoint, carved with knives, covered in bleach, and eventually shot and killed in a north Cape Coral industrial park, according to police documents.
Washington is accused of holding a gun on the Sosas as they were tied up and tortured in Johnston's Cape home.
In May, Washington was tried on two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. After a day and a half of deliberations, the jury found him guilty of the two counts of aggravated battery but deadlocked on the other charges.
A mistrial was declared for the remaining counts.
Washington was sentenced Tuesday afternoon, a day before his retrial began for the remaining four charges, to serve two 15-year prison sentences for the aggravated battery counts.
If convicted in the retrial, Washington faces life in prison.
Though many of the 55 potential jurors Wednesday had heard of the killings through news accounts and word of mouth, most said they could remain unbiased regardless.
Attorneys felt that one woman, a Challenger Middle School teacher who had known the Sosas, and a former North Fort Myers High student who said he knew co-defendant Cody Roux and several witnesses could not be unbiased. They were dismissed during questioning.
Several others whose religions did not allow them to stand in judgment of others were also dismissed.
Jurors were questioned by attorneys throughout the afternoon into the evening, both individually and in open court.
They were asked how they would consider the testimony of co-defendants who had accepted state plea deals, if they thought mixing pills with alcohol altered a person's ability to remember and what they thought about peer pressure and gang violence.
Both the state and the defense will present their opening arguments today at 9 a.m.
Washington's trial is anticipated to run into early next week, possibly Tuesday, according to Reese.
published the Cape Coral Daily Breeze, under headline 'Jurors picked for ‘Cash Feenz’ trial; Defendant again facing murder and kidnapping' and in the Naples Daily News under given headline
---
A seemingly daunting task, state and defense attorneys have now seated an unbiased jury for the second time to try Roderick Washington in the highly-publicized "Cash Feenz" double murder case.
The 12-man, two-woman jury, including two alternates, was seated Wednesday afternoon in the courtroom of Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese.
Washington is one of 10 individuals initially charged in the 2006 beating, torture and killing of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa during a birthday party of co-defendant Kemar Johnston.
The Sosas were tied up at gunpoint, carved with knives, covered in bleach, and eventually shot and killed in a north Cape Coral industrial park, according to police documents.
Washington is accused of holding a gun on the Sosas as they were tied up and tortured in Johnston's Cape home.
In May, Washington was tried on two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. After a day and a half of deliberations, the jury found him guilty of the two counts of aggravated battery but deadlocked on the other charges.
A mistrial was declared for the remaining counts.
Washington was sentenced Tuesday afternoon, a day before his retrial began for the remaining four charges, to serve two 15-year prison sentences for the aggravated battery counts.
If convicted in the retrial, Washington faces life in prison.
Though many of the 55 potential jurors Wednesday had heard of the killings through news accounts and word of mouth, most said they could remain unbiased regardless.
Attorneys felt that one woman, a Challenger Middle School teacher who had known the Sosas, and a former North Fort Myers High student who said he knew co-defendant Cody Roux and several witnesses could not be unbiased. They were dismissed during questioning.
Several others whose religions did not allow them to stand in judgment of others were also dismissed.
Jurors were questioned by attorneys throughout the afternoon into the evening, both individually and in open court.
They were asked how they would consider the testimony of co-defendants who had accepted state plea deals, if they thought mixing pills with alcohol altered a person's ability to remember and what they thought about peer pressure and gang violence.
Both the state and the defense will present their opening arguments today at 9 a.m.
Washington's trial is anticipated to run into early next week, possibly Tuesday, according to Reese.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Roderick Washington 'Cash Feenz' retrial day 1
3:17 -- Jury for Washington trial whittled by 17; questioning continues
Judge Thomas Reese, prosecutors and defense attorneys have concluded private questioning of individual jurors in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington.
Washington is accused in the 2006 double-murder of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa in Cape Coral. He faces two charges each of kidnaping and first-degree murder, and was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial.
As a result of the questioning, 17 of 55 potential jurors were excused for various reasons. Two jurors said that for religious reasons they could not judge other people.
One potential juror was excused after he told Reese he knew several witnesses as schoolmates, including co-defendant Cody Roux, who pleaded guilty to two counts each of kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in 2008 in exchange for a 14-year prison sentence. The juror also told Reese he knew the Sosas through mutual friends.
Despite defense attorney Paul Sullivan’s motions to dismiss potential jurors with knowledge of Washington’s recently received 30-year prison sentence, those jurors were allowed to stay for the time being.
Jurors are now being asked biographical questions in open court, after which lawyers will be given the opportunity to address the jury.
1:45 -- Attorneys search for bias in potential Washington jurors; closed-door questioning continues
Jury selection in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington has resumed following a break for lunch.
Lee Circuit judge Thomas Reese and attorneys are questioning potential jurors in a private room behind the courtroom. Also present are a court stenographer, a bailiff, a court reporter and several media reporters.
Reese is asking each juror if they have heard of the case, if they have formed opinions, if they can be impartial and if they are able to sit on a jury for multiple days, likely into next week.
The defense has asked several jurors if they have heard of the ‘Cash Feenz,’ the alleged gang accused in the beating, torture and killing of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa in 2006.
Several jurors have heard of Washington’s case through news reports.
Two jurors have been excused due to their knowledge of Washington’s recent sentencing of 30 years in prison for two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Another juror, for whom today is the anniversary of his son’s murder, was excused due to his inability to be impartial.
Jury selection continues.
11:30 -- Jury selection continues in Washington double-murder retrial; some admit bias
Potential jurors in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington are being questioned by attorneys privately as other perspective jurors chat quietly or read in the courtroom gallery.
Attorneys will select 12 jurors with two alternates, the same number of jurors to try Washington’s first trial in May.
Washington is being tried for the 2006 double-murder of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa. Washington is among 10 individuals charged in the incident. He was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during the first trial, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday as a result of the conviction.
Washington will be retried on two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping, charges for which the jury in trial number one could not determine a verdict. He faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
In open court, several potential jurors expressed concern they might be unable to withhold bias against Washington while deliberating his case. A woman who teaches at Challenger Middle School said she was biased against Washington because the Sosas had been students at the school, and she followed the case closely. Another man expressed his grief on the anniversary of his son’s murder, stating he likely could not be impartial.
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee told presiding Lee Circuit judge Thomas Reese he anticipated the prosecution’s case would last 2 to 3 days. Paul Sullivan, Washington’s defense attorney, stated he was unsure at this stage in the trial about the duration of his defense.
The jurors will likely break for lunch at noon and return to the courtroom at 1 p.m. to resume questioning.
10:30 -- Jury selection begins in Washington double-murder retrial
Fifty-five potential jurors will soon be brought into a Lee County Justice Center courtroom to begin jury selection in the Cash Feenz double-murder retrial of Roderick A. Washington.
Washington is one of 10 co-defendants in the beating, torture and killing of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa at a 2006 house party by a rap group and alleged gang known as the Cash Feenz.
He is accused of holding a gun on the Sosas as they were tied up and tortured by several others at co-defendant Kemar Johnston’s Cape Coral home.
Washington was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial in early May. However, jurors were unable to determine guilt on four other counts, two first-degree murder counts and two counts of kidnaping.
Judge Thomas Reese, who is presiding over Washington’s trial this week, sentenced him Tuesday to served two 15-year prison terms consecutively, for a total of 30 years. Washington must serve the sentence regardless of the outcome of his second trial, which will focus on the remaining four counts.
Several family members from both the Sosa and Washington families are present in the courtroom this morning as Washington and attorneys quietly await the arrival of the jury.
Judge Thomas Reese, prosecutors and defense attorneys have concluded private questioning of individual jurors in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington.
Washington is accused in the 2006 double-murder of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa in Cape Coral. He faces two charges each of kidnaping and first-degree murder, and was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial.
As a result of the questioning, 17 of 55 potential jurors were excused for various reasons. Two jurors said that for religious reasons they could not judge other people.
One potential juror was excused after he told Reese he knew several witnesses as schoolmates, including co-defendant Cody Roux, who pleaded guilty to two counts each of kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in 2008 in exchange for a 14-year prison sentence. The juror also told Reese he knew the Sosas through mutual friends.
Despite defense attorney Paul Sullivan’s motions to dismiss potential jurors with knowledge of Washington’s recently received 30-year prison sentence, those jurors were allowed to stay for the time being.
Jurors are now being asked biographical questions in open court, after which lawyers will be given the opportunity to address the jury.
1:45 -- Attorneys search for bias in potential Washington jurors; closed-door questioning continues
Jury selection in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington has resumed following a break for lunch.
Lee Circuit judge Thomas Reese and attorneys are questioning potential jurors in a private room behind the courtroom. Also present are a court stenographer, a bailiff, a court reporter and several media reporters.
Reese is asking each juror if they have heard of the case, if they have formed opinions, if they can be impartial and if they are able to sit on a jury for multiple days, likely into next week.
The defense has asked several jurors if they have heard of the ‘Cash Feenz,’ the alleged gang accused in the beating, torture and killing of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa in 2006.
Several jurors have heard of Washington’s case through news reports.
Two jurors have been excused due to their knowledge of Washington’s recent sentencing of 30 years in prison for two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Another juror, for whom today is the anniversary of his son’s murder, was excused due to his inability to be impartial.
Jury selection continues.
11:30 -- Jury selection continues in Washington double-murder retrial; some admit bias
Potential jurors in the double-murder retrial of Roderick Washington are being questioned by attorneys privately as other perspective jurors chat quietly or read in the courtroom gallery.
Attorneys will select 12 jurors with two alternates, the same number of jurors to try Washington’s first trial in May.
Washington is being tried for the 2006 double-murder of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa. Washington is among 10 individuals charged in the incident. He was convicted of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during the first trial, and was sentenced to 30 years in prison Tuesday as a result of the conviction.
Washington will be retried on two counts each of first-degree murder and kidnaping, charges for which the jury in trial number one could not determine a verdict. He faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
In open court, several potential jurors expressed concern they might be unable to withhold bias against Washington while deliberating his case. A woman who teaches at Challenger Middle School said she was biased against Washington because the Sosas had been students at the school, and she followed the case closely. Another man expressed his grief on the anniversary of his son’s murder, stating he likely could not be impartial.
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee told presiding Lee Circuit judge Thomas Reese he anticipated the prosecution’s case would last 2 to 3 days. Paul Sullivan, Washington’s defense attorney, stated he was unsure at this stage in the trial about the duration of his defense.
The jurors will likely break for lunch at noon and return to the courtroom at 1 p.m. to resume questioning.
10:30 -- Jury selection begins in Washington double-murder retrial
Fifty-five potential jurors will soon be brought into a Lee County Justice Center courtroom to begin jury selection in the Cash Feenz double-murder retrial of Roderick A. Washington.
Washington is one of 10 co-defendants in the beating, torture and killing of Jeffrey and Alexis Sosa at a 2006 house party by a rap group and alleged gang known as the Cash Feenz.
He is accused of holding a gun on the Sosas as they were tied up and tortured by several others at co-defendant Kemar Johnston’s Cape Coral home.
Washington was found guilty of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon during his first trial in early May. However, jurors were unable to determine guilt on four other counts, two first-degree murder counts and two counts of kidnaping.
Judge Thomas Reese, who is presiding over Washington’s trial this week, sentenced him Tuesday to served two 15-year prison terms consecutively, for a total of 30 years. Washington must serve the sentence regardless of the outcome of his second trial, which will focus on the remaining four counts.
Several family members from both the Sosa and Washington families are present in the courtroom this morning as Washington and attorneys quietly await the arrival of the jury.
Murder retrial to start for ‘Cash Feenz’ defendant; Convicted of battery counts in May
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 7/8/09
A minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life - this is the reality Roderick Washington must face as he sits before a jury of his peers for the second time.
Jury selection for Washington's retrial as one of 10 defendants in the 2006 "Cash Feenz" murders of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa begins today before Judge Thomas Reese.
Reese saw Washington go to trial the first time in his Lee County courtroom in early May.
Washington was tried in the brutal kidnapping, torture, beating and killing of the Sosas that authorities said began at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's birthday party and ended in a north Cape Coral industrial park, where the Sosas were fatally shot.
After nearly a day and a half of deliberations, jury members convicted Washington of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon - a knife - during the first trial.
However, jurors were unable to reach a decision regarding whether Washington was guilty of two counts each of kidnapping and first-degree murder.
The state filed for a retrial May 28.
Washington was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to two consecutive 15-year prison sentences for the aggravated battery counts, which he must serve regardless of the outcome of the retrial, said State Attorney's Office spokesperson Samantha Syoen.
Syoen said the retrial will focus on the four remaining charges. Jurors will be asked to determine Washington's guilt or innocence based only on the remaining counts against him.
Washington is the second defendant to be convicted in the Sosas' killings. Co-defendant Ashley Toye was sentenced to life in prison in 2007.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense attorney, could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Washington's retrial begins at 9 a.m.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 7/8/09
A minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life - this is the reality Roderick Washington must face as he sits before a jury of his peers for the second time.
Jury selection for Washington's retrial as one of 10 defendants in the 2006 "Cash Feenz" murders of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa begins today before Judge Thomas Reese.
Reese saw Washington go to trial the first time in his Lee County courtroom in early May.
Washington was tried in the brutal kidnapping, torture, beating and killing of the Sosas that authorities said began at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's birthday party and ended in a north Cape Coral industrial park, where the Sosas were fatally shot.
After nearly a day and a half of deliberations, jury members convicted Washington of two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon - a knife - during the first trial.
However, jurors were unable to reach a decision regarding whether Washington was guilty of two counts each of kidnapping and first-degree murder.
The state filed for a retrial May 28.
Washington was sentenced Tuesday afternoon to two consecutive 15-year prison sentences for the aggravated battery counts, which he must serve regardless of the outcome of the retrial, said State Attorney's Office spokesperson Samantha Syoen.
Syoen said the retrial will focus on the four remaining charges. Jurors will be asked to determine Washington's guilt or innocence based only on the remaining counts against him.
Washington is the second defendant to be convicted in the Sosas' killings. Co-defendant Ashley Toye was sentenced to life in prison in 2007.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense attorney, could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Washington's retrial begins at 9 a.m.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Jury still out in ‘Cash Feenz’ double murder trial; Fight almost ensues at courthouse
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/8/09
1.)Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee presents a rifle, evidence in the double murder trial of Roderick Washington, to the jury during closing arguments Thursday.
2.)Defendant Roderick Washington, right, listens to closing arguments beside defense co-council Toby Oonk.
*photographs are copyright the Cape Coral Daily Breeze.
------------------
Deputies snuffed out a heated argument Thursday between members of the Sosa and Washington families outside of the courtroom where Roderick Washington is being tried for murder, but the apparent disagreement in the jury room continued on into today.
The 12-person jury deliberated for about six hours Thursday before deciding it would like to pick things up where it left off at 9 a.m. today.
The jury's job is to decide if Washington is guilty of two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the 2006 double homicide of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa. If jurors find him guilty, Washington faces a life prison sentence.
Over the several days of trial thus far, spectators from both the victims' and defendant's families have grown in numbers.
Thursday afternoon as the jury deliberated, tensions apparently escalated, nearly to a fist fight.
A witness told the Cape Coral Daily Breeze that the tiff was between two younger males from the families.
"Some words were exchanged," the witness said.
However, by the time the Lee County sheriff's deputies in the courtroom flanked the individuals, the confrontation was already over.
"It didn't last long at all - a matter of seconds," said Lee County Sheriff's Office spokesperson John Sheehan.
No one wanted to press charges and no arrests were made.
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee talked about group mentality and Washington's part in the "Cash Feenz," a rap group and alleged gang involved in the beating, torture and killing of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa.
"They were all guilty, whether they all pulled the trigger or not," he told the jury. "There was no question it was premeditation and it's the same as if (Washington) held the gun. That rap group, that started out as a group, became a gang that night in the worst possible way. He knew they were going to be killed. He knew.
"Ladies and gentlemen, how could he not?" Lee asked.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense lawyer, focused his arguments on what he said is the state's lack of evidence presented at trial and the poor caliber of witness reliability.
Eyewitnesses were primarily co-defendants avoiding the death penalty through plea deals, drug users and police witnesses who were unable to present evidence to convict Washington, he argued.
"I'm not saying the police didn't do their jobs, I'm saying a lack of evidence can cause reasonable doubt," Sullivan said. "This is a courtroom. That young man is charged with murder.
"Is that the best they can give us? Why do we have to rely on those kinds of witnesses?" he asked. "If there's scientific evidence that would back up those losers, please, bring it on."
When court recessed for the day, the Sosas were escorted from the courtroom by bailiffs, though the Washington family and friends had not returned to the courtroom.
Jurors were asked Thursday night not to read any media articles or talk about the case.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/8/09
1.)Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee presents a rifle, evidence in the double murder trial of Roderick Washington, to the jury during closing arguments Thursday.
2.)Defendant Roderick Washington, right, listens to closing arguments beside defense co-council Toby Oonk.
*photographs are copyright the Cape Coral Daily Breeze.
------------------
Deputies snuffed out a heated argument Thursday between members of the Sosa and Washington families outside of the courtroom where Roderick Washington is being tried for murder, but the apparent disagreement in the jury room continued on into today.
The 12-person jury deliberated for about six hours Thursday before deciding it would like to pick things up where it left off at 9 a.m. today.
The jury's job is to decide if Washington is guilty of two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the 2006 double homicide of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa. If jurors find him guilty, Washington faces a life prison sentence.
Over the several days of trial thus far, spectators from both the victims' and defendant's families have grown in numbers.
Thursday afternoon as the jury deliberated, tensions apparently escalated, nearly to a fist fight.
A witness told the Cape Coral Daily Breeze that the tiff was between two younger males from the families.
"Some words were exchanged," the witness said.
However, by the time the Lee County sheriff's deputies in the courtroom flanked the individuals, the confrontation was already over.
"It didn't last long at all - a matter of seconds," said Lee County Sheriff's Office spokesperson John Sheehan.
No one wanted to press charges and no arrests were made.
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee talked about group mentality and Washington's part in the "Cash Feenz," a rap group and alleged gang involved in the beating, torture and killing of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa.
"They were all guilty, whether they all pulled the trigger or not," he told the jury. "There was no question it was premeditation and it's the same as if (Washington) held the gun. That rap group, that started out as a group, became a gang that night in the worst possible way. He knew they were going to be killed. He knew.
"Ladies and gentlemen, how could he not?" Lee asked.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense lawyer, focused his arguments on what he said is the state's lack of evidence presented at trial and the poor caliber of witness reliability.
Eyewitnesses were primarily co-defendants avoiding the death penalty through plea deals, drug users and police witnesses who were unable to present evidence to convict Washington, he argued.
"I'm not saying the police didn't do their jobs, I'm saying a lack of evidence can cause reasonable doubt," Sullivan said. "This is a courtroom. That young man is charged with murder.
"Is that the best they can give us? Why do we have to rely on those kinds of witnesses?" he asked. "If there's scientific evidence that would back up those losers, please, bring it on."
When court recessed for the day, the Sosas were escorted from the courtroom by bailiffs, though the Washington family and friends had not returned to the courtroom.
Jurors were asked Thursday night not to read any media articles or talk about the case.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Roderick Washington trial updates (day 3)
8:00 -- writer's note: The jury has disbanded for the day and will return tomorrow at 9 a.m. to continue deliberations. This blog will not continue updating tomorrow during the trial because I will be absent for personal reasons. However, any update stories from colleagues will be linked from here as well as a print edition story in tomorrow's editions of the Cape Coral Daily Breeze and the Naples Daily News. I would like to recognize both news entities for posting many of my updates on the trial on their websites. This will be my final update.
5:54 -- writer's note: Roderick Washington has been brought back into the courtroom and spectators are returning to the courtroom. The judge will likely ask the jury if they want to keep deliberating tonight.
5:40 -- writer's note: It's rumored the jury will be asked at 6 p.m. if they want to break for the day. Bailiffs said they were unsure when Reese would ask what the jury wanted to do, though word among the reporters indicates it may be 6. They continue to deliberate.
5:00 -- writer's note: The jury remains in deliberations. It is unclear if and how long before judge Reese asks the jurors if they would rather disperse for the evening or continue into a later hour. Sheriff's officials commented on the earlier altercation, saying it was a small dispute that was "over in seconds." No one was arrested and no one pressed charges.
3:53 -- writer's note: The jury is still deliberating. Lawyers and deputies spoke privately with judge Reese in a sidebar-type format. Media are nearby in the courtroom gallery but out of earshot. It is unclear whether the nature of the conversation has to do with the earlier dispute outside the courtroom.
3:32 -- Altercation reported at justice center as jury deliberates
With the jury deliberating in the double murder trial of Roderick Washington, it appears a fight broke out in a hallway of the Lee County Justice Center between a family member and someone who was not family of either the victims or the defendant, according to a witness. The witness said those involved in the fight were younger individuals.
One of the alternate jurors who remained to watch the trial's conclusion said she was knocked over by a male running down the hallway, who apparently was involved in the dispute.
Bailiffs and deputies flanked the fighters and the situation has been resolved. The hallway has been cleared.
The jury remains in deliberations regarding the fate of Washington, accused in the 2006 double-murder of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa.
Washington is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
3:20 -- writer's note: The jury is on a smoke break. Judge Reese told them not to separate or discuss the case outside the jury room. Earlier, a dispute between a family member of the victim and a non-family member occurred in the hallway outside the courtroom. The dispute was quickly extinguished by Sheriff's deputies.
2:00 -- writer's note: Hour three of deliberations has begun. The jury must decide if Washington is guilty of two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The courtroom, Courtroom G, is locked and spectators and reporters are sitting in the hallways talking and waiting.
1:00 -- writer's note: We are entering into hour two of deliberations in the Roderick Washington Trial. Twelve jurors have already received their lunch and will decide his fate.
12:00 -- writer's note: Twelve jurors have begun their deliberations in the Roderick Washington trial.
11:15 -- Jury soon to begin deliberations in Washington Cash Feenz trial
Both sides in the Roderick Washington trial have finished their closing arguments.
Judge Reese is now instructing the jury on the law, after which two alternate jurors will be excused and the 12-person jury will begin deliberations.
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee talked about group mentality and Washington's part in the Cash Feenz, a rap group and alleged gang involved in the beating,
torture and killing of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa in 2006.
"They were all guilty, whether they all pulled the trigger or not," Lee told the jury. "There was no question it was premeditation and it's the same as if (Washington) held the gun. That rap group, that started out as a group, became a gang that night in the worst possible way. He knew they were going to be killed. He knew. Ladies and Gentlemen, how could he not."
Paul Sullivan, Roderick Washington's defense lawyer, focused his arguments on what he said is the state's lack of evidence presented at trial, and the poor caliber of witness reliability.
Eye witnesses were primarily co-defendants avoiding the death penalty through plea deals, drug users and police witnesses who were unable to present evidence to convict Washington, Sullivan argued.
"I'm not saying the police didn't do their jobs, I'm saying a lack of evidence can cause reasonable doubt," Sullivan said. "This is a courtroom. That young man (pointing to Washington) is charged with murder. Is that the best they can give us? Why do we have to rely on those kinds of witnesses? If there's scientific evidence that would back up those losers, please, bring it on."
Most family members and friends of the Sosas and Washington have left the courtroom for the time being, though several have decided to listen to Reese's instructions. Washington, who charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
9:30 -- Defendant in Cash Feenz case will not testify
Cash Feenz defendant Roderick Washington will not testify on his own behalf.
His trial resumed this morning at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom G of the Lee County
Justice Center, the courtroom of Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese.
Washington is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery
with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
Both sides have now rested.
Assistant State Attorney Bobbie Lee has begun closing statements, and is discussing the laws regarding felony murder and shared criminal responsibility.
The 12-person jury will likely begin deliberations by midday, after two alternates are dismissed.
5:54 -- writer's note: Roderick Washington has been brought back into the courtroom and spectators are returning to the courtroom. The judge will likely ask the jury if they want to keep deliberating tonight.
5:40 -- writer's note: It's rumored the jury will be asked at 6 p.m. if they want to break for the day. Bailiffs said they were unsure when Reese would ask what the jury wanted to do, though word among the reporters indicates it may be 6. They continue to deliberate.
5:00 -- writer's note: The jury remains in deliberations. It is unclear if and how long before judge Reese asks the jurors if they would rather disperse for the evening or continue into a later hour. Sheriff's officials commented on the earlier altercation, saying it was a small dispute that was "over in seconds." No one was arrested and no one pressed charges.
3:53 -- writer's note: The jury is still deliberating. Lawyers and deputies spoke privately with judge Reese in a sidebar-type format. Media are nearby in the courtroom gallery but out of earshot. It is unclear whether the nature of the conversation has to do with the earlier dispute outside the courtroom.
3:32 -- Altercation reported at justice center as jury deliberates
With the jury deliberating in the double murder trial of Roderick Washington, it appears a fight broke out in a hallway of the Lee County Justice Center between a family member and someone who was not family of either the victims or the defendant, according to a witness. The witness said those involved in the fight were younger individuals.
One of the alternate jurors who remained to watch the trial's conclusion said she was knocked over by a male running down the hallway, who apparently was involved in the dispute.
Bailiffs and deputies flanked the fighters and the situation has been resolved. The hallway has been cleared.
The jury remains in deliberations regarding the fate of Washington, accused in the 2006 double-murder of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa.
Washington is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
3:20 -- writer's note: The jury is on a smoke break. Judge Reese told them not to separate or discuss the case outside the jury room. Earlier, a dispute between a family member of the victim and a non-family member occurred in the hallway outside the courtroom. The dispute was quickly extinguished by Sheriff's deputies.
2:00 -- writer's note: Hour three of deliberations has begun. The jury must decide if Washington is guilty of two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The courtroom, Courtroom G, is locked and spectators and reporters are sitting in the hallways talking and waiting.
1:00 -- writer's note: We are entering into hour two of deliberations in the Roderick Washington Trial. Twelve jurors have already received their lunch and will decide his fate.
12:00 -- writer's note: Twelve jurors have begun their deliberations in the Roderick Washington trial.
11:15 -- Jury soon to begin deliberations in Washington Cash Feenz trial
Both sides in the Roderick Washington trial have finished their closing arguments.
Judge Reese is now instructing the jury on the law, after which two alternate jurors will be excused and the 12-person jury will begin deliberations.
Assistant State Attorney Bob Lee talked about group mentality and Washington's part in the Cash Feenz, a rap group and alleged gang involved in the beating,
torture and killing of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa in 2006.
"They were all guilty, whether they all pulled the trigger or not," Lee told the jury. "There was no question it was premeditation and it's the same as if (Washington) held the gun. That rap group, that started out as a group, became a gang that night in the worst possible way. He knew they were going to be killed. He knew. Ladies and Gentlemen, how could he not."
Paul Sullivan, Roderick Washington's defense lawyer, focused his arguments on what he said is the state's lack of evidence presented at trial, and the poor caliber of witness reliability.
Eye witnesses were primarily co-defendants avoiding the death penalty through plea deals, drug users and police witnesses who were unable to present evidence to convict Washington, Sullivan argued.
"I'm not saying the police didn't do their jobs, I'm saying a lack of evidence can cause reasonable doubt," Sullivan said. "This is a courtroom. That young man (pointing to Washington) is charged with murder. Is that the best they can give us? Why do we have to rely on those kinds of witnesses? If there's scientific evidence that would back up those losers, please, bring it on."
Most family members and friends of the Sosas and Washington have left the courtroom for the time being, though several have decided to listen to Reese's instructions. Washington, who charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
9:30 -- Defendant in Cash Feenz case will not testify
Cash Feenz defendant Roderick Washington will not testify on his own behalf.
His trial resumed this morning at 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom G of the Lee County
Justice Center, the courtroom of Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese.
Washington is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery
with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
Both sides have now rested.
Assistant State Attorney Bobbie Lee has begun closing statements, and is discussing the laws regarding felony murder and shared criminal responsibility.
The 12-person jury will likely begin deliberations by midday, after two alternates are dismissed.
Co-defendants, others testify in ‘Cash Feenz’ trial; Washington taking stand uncertain
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/7/09
1.)Alleged 'Cash Feenz' defendant Roderick Washington, right, listens to testimony during his trial Wednesday.
2.)Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf describes autopsy photographs of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa to the jury.
*photos copyright the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
---------------
The state rested its double murder case against Roderick Washington after only one day of testimony from co-defendants and witnesses who said they saw and heard the horrific beating, torture and killings of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa during a 2006 birthday party.
After one day of a daunting 70-person jury selection and another day of testimony pointing to Washington as the man who held the Sosas at gunpoint while they were beat, tied, cut and tortured, Washington must now decide whether he will take the stand in his own defense, said defense lawyer Paul Sullivan.
If Washington testifies, he will be the defense's only witness.
The state said it may have a rebuttal witness depending on Washington's decision.
Among those who testified to what they witnessed were two of Washington's co-defendants, who had accepted plea deals with the state. Those witnesses were Alexis Fernandez and Michael Balint.
Both Balint and Fernandez pegged Washington as holding a rifle, and at one point a handgun, to the Sosas and telling them not to move while they were tied up by Balint.
Balint testified that he hogtied the Sosas in the kitchen of Kemar Johnston's duplex at Johnston's threats.
"He told me worse things could happen," he said. "I could have been down there with them."
While some witnesses said they left the area where the Sosas were being beat up because they were uncomfortable or it was not their business, testimony revealed none of 30 to 50 people called police or challenged the onslaught of violence.
William Arciszewski, who produced the "Cash Feenz" rap group several of the defendants allegedly were a part of, told the jury that he went to the bathroom when a fight ensued between the Sosas and others at the party.
The fight reportedly began over some threatening phone messages Alexis Sosa had left to several of the party-goers.
"I don't know what it entailed, but it fired everybody up," Arciszewski said. "The entire atmosphere changed, you could feel it in the air. I feared everybody. They all had guns and I didn't. They were all acting crazy. I think (Johnston) snapped."
He recalled hearing screaming and pleading from the Sosas, and witnessing some of the torture from the living room.
Arciszewski also said Washington was holding a rifle on the Sosas and identified him in open court.
Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf said autopsies of the Sosas' bodies revealed Jeffery died of gunshots to the neck and chest, while Alexis died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest and had been shot at least four times.
Neither had carbon monoxide in their blood, he testified, so both died before a vehicle was set on fire, burning the remains of Alexis in a north Cape Coral industrial park.
Further tests revealed the Sosas had drugs in their systems, such as cocaine and methamphetamines.
Presiding Judge Thomas Reese denied a request by Sullivan for acquittal Wednesday afternoon.
The jury is expected to begin deliberations early this afternoon.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/7/09
1.)Alleged 'Cash Feenz' defendant Roderick Washington, right, listens to testimony during his trial Wednesday.
2.)Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf describes autopsy photographs of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa to the jury.
*photos copyright the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
---------------
The state rested its double murder case against Roderick Washington after only one day of testimony from co-defendants and witnesses who said they saw and heard the horrific beating, torture and killings of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa during a 2006 birthday party.
After one day of a daunting 70-person jury selection and another day of testimony pointing to Washington as the man who held the Sosas at gunpoint while they were beat, tied, cut and tortured, Washington must now decide whether he will take the stand in his own defense, said defense lawyer Paul Sullivan.
If Washington testifies, he will be the defense's only witness.
The state said it may have a rebuttal witness depending on Washington's decision.
Among those who testified to what they witnessed were two of Washington's co-defendants, who had accepted plea deals with the state. Those witnesses were Alexis Fernandez and Michael Balint.
Both Balint and Fernandez pegged Washington as holding a rifle, and at one point a handgun, to the Sosas and telling them not to move while they were tied up by Balint.
Balint testified that he hogtied the Sosas in the kitchen of Kemar Johnston's duplex at Johnston's threats.
"He told me worse things could happen," he said. "I could have been down there with them."
While some witnesses said they left the area where the Sosas were being beat up because they were uncomfortable or it was not their business, testimony revealed none of 30 to 50 people called police or challenged the onslaught of violence.
William Arciszewski, who produced the "Cash Feenz" rap group several of the defendants allegedly were a part of, told the jury that he went to the bathroom when a fight ensued between the Sosas and others at the party.
The fight reportedly began over some threatening phone messages Alexis Sosa had left to several of the party-goers.
"I don't know what it entailed, but it fired everybody up," Arciszewski said. "The entire atmosphere changed, you could feel it in the air. I feared everybody. They all had guns and I didn't. They were all acting crazy. I think (Johnston) snapped."
He recalled hearing screaming and pleading from the Sosas, and witnessing some of the torture from the living room.
Arciszewski also said Washington was holding a rifle on the Sosas and identified him in open court.
Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf said autopsies of the Sosas' bodies revealed Jeffery died of gunshots to the neck and chest, while Alexis died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest and had been shot at least four times.
Neither had carbon monoxide in their blood, he testified, so both died before a vehicle was set on fire, burning the remains of Alexis in a north Cape Coral industrial park.
Further tests revealed the Sosas had drugs in their systems, such as cocaine and methamphetamines.
Presiding Judge Thomas Reese denied a request by Sullivan for acquittal Wednesday afternoon.
The jury is expected to begin deliberations early this afternoon.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Roderick Washington trial updates (day 2)
3:30 -- Co-defendant Fernandez, medical examiner testify in Washington's trial
Another co-defendant, Alexis Fernandez, has begun testimony regarding the beating, torture and killing of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa.
Fernandez pleaded guilty to lesser charges last week as part of a state plea deal. If he testifies truthfully against his co-defendants during their trials, he will be sentenced to 26 years in prison.
He drove with the Sosas in his trunk to the north Cape Coral industrial park where they were killed.
Fernandez is the second co-defendant to testify that Roderick Washington was the individual holding the Sosas at rifle-point as they were tied and tortured. Today is day two of trial for Washington, who is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf said autopsies of the Sosas' bodies revealed Jeffrey Sosa died of gunshots to the neck and chest, while Alexis Sosa died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest and had been shot at least four times.
Both died before a vehicle fire that burned the remains of Alexis Sosa in a north Cape Coral industrial park, because neither had carbon monoxide in their blood, Pfalzgraf testified.
Further tests revealed the Sosas both had drugs in their systems, such as cocaine and methamphetamines.
2:15 -- Witness testimony continues
More witnesses and a co-defendant from Kemar Johnston's birthday party, which led to the beating, torture and double-murder of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa, have
taken the witness stand to tell their accounts of what happened.
Today is day two of trial for Roderick Washington, who is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
So far testimony has revealed between 30 to 50 individuals were at the party, drinking and doing drugs such as marijuana, Xanax and ecstacy.
William Arciszewski, who produced the "Cash Feenz" gangster rap group several of the defendants were a part of, told the jury he went to the bathroom when a fight ensued between the Sosas and others at the party.
The fight began over some threatening phone messages Alexis Sosa had left to several of the party-goers.
"I don't know what it entailed but it fired everybody up," Arciszewski said. "The entire atmosphere changed, you could feel it in the air. I feared everybody. They all had guns and I didn't. They were all acting crazy. I think (Johnston) snapped."
Arciszewski recalled hearing screaming and pleading from the Sosas, and witnessing some of the torture from the living room.
Washington, he said, was holding a rifle on the Sosas.
After the Sosas were taken from the house, co-defendant Kenneth "Ant" Lopez returned to the Cape Coral industrial park where the Sosas' bodies were and
burned their car, Arciszewski testified.
"The reason I know this is because (Lopez) came back crying," he said. "He said, 'I can't believe I did that.'"
Co-defendant Michael Balint is on the stand. He will receive a 14-year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony as part of the state?s case against his
co-defendants.
He is wearing an orange Lee County Jail jumpsuit, unbuttoned at the top.
Balint described how he had visited Johnston's home to purchase marijuana but stayed to celebrate Johnston's birthday and drink alcohol.
Balint testified that he tied up the Sosas at Johnston'?s threats.
"He told me worse things could happen," Balint said. "I could have been down there with them."
The trial will likely continue until 5 p.m. today.
11:30 -- Party-goers, police testify in Washington trial
In the first day of suspect Roderick Washington's trial on first degree murder charges, state prosecutors spent the first half of the morning calling witnesses from the Cape Coral Police and Fire Departments who responded to a car fire where the bodies of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa were found in 2006.
Forensics investigators Lisa Lansky and Larry Stringham described evidence they recovered from various locations. Lansky said she had recovered a cigarette lighter in the industrial park in Cape Coral where the Sosas and the burned vehicle were found.
Stringham positively identified the body of Jeffrey Sosa through fingerprint
analysis and also processed a home where small amounts of suspected blood was discovered. He could not say whose home it was, only that it seemed not to be occupied at the time.
Scott Johnson, a retired Cape Coral detective, said when he arrived on scene he recognized Jeffrey as "one of the Sosas."
Johnson and officer Gerald Moll escorted Jeffery Sosa and Alexis Sosa, whose body remained in the trunk of the burned car as it was towed to the Medical Examiner's Office due to its deteriorated condition.
Washington's high school friend, 20-year-old Jennifer Dunning, took the stand and testified to what she saw the night the Sosas were tortured and killed.
At Johnston's birthday party, a fight between party-goers and the Sosas ensued when threatening phone messages were played from the Sosas.
One of the messages on a party-goer's phone from Alexis Sosa stated that he would "shoot up their house or something," Dunning told the jury.
While they were beat and tortured, Washington held two guns on the Sosas, she said.
Dunning said she didn't drink though she smoked marijuana. Many individuals were drinking and doing drugs, she said.
Another person who attended the party, Michael Taylor, has now taken the stand.
He is describing how the Sosas were hog-tied and tortured while Washington guarded, though Taylor's account places a rifle in his hands rather than two handguns, as Dunning described.
Washington has been charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr described the beating, torture, killing and setting fire of the Sosas at a birthday party at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's house and a Cape Coral industrial park to 12 jurors and two alternates. She retraced Washington's alleged involvement in the killings.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense attorney, told the jury there were many people at Johnston's house that night responsible for what happened to the Sosas. But, he said, evidence will not prove that Washington is guilty of their murders.
"There's a bunch of people who bear responsibility in this case," Sullivan said. "But there aren't 10 people who are guilty of this murder. Mr. Washington is one of the people who are not guilty of this murder."
Earlier today, the state called Cape firefighter Michael Hannon to the stand. He testified to responding to a fire in an industrial park north of Andalusia
Boulevard and Kismet Parkway, which turned out to be a vehicle fire where he discovered the Sosas bodies and contacted the police department.
Cape Coral Det. Kurt Grau also took the stand. The state presented forensic video of the crime scene on a projector screen. The video shows footage of the Sosas' bodies and burnt vehicle near a hill in the industrial park.
Washington watched the video quietly.
9:30 -- Cash Feenz defendant Washington's trial under way
The trial of Roderick Washington, accused "Cash Feenz" defendant in the 2006 double murder of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa, resumed with opening statements this morning.
He's charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr described the beating, torture, killing and setting fire of the Sosas at a birthday party at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's house and a Cape Coral industrial park to 12 jurors and two alternates. She retraced Washington's alleged involvement in the killings.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense attorney, told the jury there were many people at Johnston's house that night responsible for what happened to the Sosas. But, he said, evidence will not prove that Washington is guilty of their murders.
"There's a bunch of people who bear responsibility in this case," Sullivan said. "But there aren't 10 people who are guilty of this murder. Mr. Washington is one of the people who are not guilty of this murder."
The state has already called Cape firefighter Michael Hannon to the stand. He testified to responding to a fire in an industrial park north of Andalusia Boulevard and Kismet Parkway, which turned out to be a vehicle fire where he discovered the Sosas bodies and contacted the police department.
Cape Coral Det. Kurt Grau also took the stand. The state presented forensic video of the crime scene on a projector screen. The video shows footage of the Sosas' bodies and burnt vehicle near a hill in the industrial park.
Washington watched the video quietly.
Another co-defendant, Alexis Fernandez, has begun testimony regarding the beating, torture and killing of Alexis and Jeffrey Sosa.
Fernandez pleaded guilty to lesser charges last week as part of a state plea deal. If he testifies truthfully against his co-defendants during their trials, he will be sentenced to 26 years in prison.
He drove with the Sosas in his trunk to the north Cape Coral industrial park where they were killed.
Fernandez is the second co-defendant to testify that Roderick Washington was the individual holding the Sosas at rifle-point as they were tied and tortured. Today is day two of trial for Washington, who is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
Medical Examiner Robert Pfalzgraf said autopsies of the Sosas' bodies revealed Jeffrey Sosa died of gunshots to the neck and chest, while Alexis Sosa died of gunshot wounds to the head and chest and had been shot at least four times.
Both died before a vehicle fire that burned the remains of Alexis Sosa in a north Cape Coral industrial park, because neither had carbon monoxide in their blood, Pfalzgraf testified.
Further tests revealed the Sosas both had drugs in their systems, such as cocaine and methamphetamines.
2:15 -- Witness testimony continues
More witnesses and a co-defendant from Kemar Johnston's birthday party, which led to the beating, torture and double-murder of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa, have
taken the witness stand to tell their accounts of what happened.
Today is day two of trial for Roderick Washington, who is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He faces life in prison if convicted in the 2006 slayings.
So far testimony has revealed between 30 to 50 individuals were at the party, drinking and doing drugs such as marijuana, Xanax and ecstacy.
William Arciszewski, who produced the "Cash Feenz" gangster rap group several of the defendants were a part of, told the jury he went to the bathroom when a fight ensued between the Sosas and others at the party.
The fight began over some threatening phone messages Alexis Sosa had left to several of the party-goers.
"I don't know what it entailed but it fired everybody up," Arciszewski said. "The entire atmosphere changed, you could feel it in the air. I feared everybody. They all had guns and I didn't. They were all acting crazy. I think (Johnston) snapped."
Arciszewski recalled hearing screaming and pleading from the Sosas, and witnessing some of the torture from the living room.
Washington, he said, was holding a rifle on the Sosas.
After the Sosas were taken from the house, co-defendant Kenneth "Ant" Lopez returned to the Cape Coral industrial park where the Sosas' bodies were and
burned their car, Arciszewski testified.
"The reason I know this is because (Lopez) came back crying," he said. "He said, 'I can't believe I did that.'"
Co-defendant Michael Balint is on the stand. He will receive a 14-year prison sentence in exchange for his testimony as part of the state?s case against his
co-defendants.
He is wearing an orange Lee County Jail jumpsuit, unbuttoned at the top.
Balint described how he had visited Johnston's home to purchase marijuana but stayed to celebrate Johnston's birthday and drink alcohol.
Balint testified that he tied up the Sosas at Johnston'?s threats.
"He told me worse things could happen," Balint said. "I could have been down there with them."
The trial will likely continue until 5 p.m. today.
11:30 -- Party-goers, police testify in Washington trial
In the first day of suspect Roderick Washington's trial on first degree murder charges, state prosecutors spent the first half of the morning calling witnesses from the Cape Coral Police and Fire Departments who responded to a car fire where the bodies of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa were found in 2006.
Forensics investigators Lisa Lansky and Larry Stringham described evidence they recovered from various locations. Lansky said she had recovered a cigarette lighter in the industrial park in Cape Coral where the Sosas and the burned vehicle were found.
Stringham positively identified the body of Jeffrey Sosa through fingerprint
analysis and also processed a home where small amounts of suspected blood was discovered. He could not say whose home it was, only that it seemed not to be occupied at the time.
Scott Johnson, a retired Cape Coral detective, said when he arrived on scene he recognized Jeffrey as "one of the Sosas."
Johnson and officer Gerald Moll escorted Jeffery Sosa and Alexis Sosa, whose body remained in the trunk of the burned car as it was towed to the Medical Examiner's Office due to its deteriorated condition.
Washington's high school friend, 20-year-old Jennifer Dunning, took the stand and testified to what she saw the night the Sosas were tortured and killed.
At Johnston's birthday party, a fight between party-goers and the Sosas ensued when threatening phone messages were played from the Sosas.
One of the messages on a party-goer's phone from Alexis Sosa stated that he would "shoot up their house or something," Dunning told the jury.
While they were beat and tortured, Washington held two guns on the Sosas, she said.
Dunning said she didn't drink though she smoked marijuana. Many individuals were drinking and doing drugs, she said.
Another person who attended the party, Michael Taylor, has now taken the stand.
He is describing how the Sosas were hog-tied and tortured while Washington guarded, though Taylor's account places a rifle in his hands rather than two handguns, as Dunning described.
Washington has been charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr described the beating, torture, killing and setting fire of the Sosas at a birthday party at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's house and a Cape Coral industrial park to 12 jurors and two alternates. She retraced Washington's alleged involvement in the killings.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense attorney, told the jury there were many people at Johnston's house that night responsible for what happened to the Sosas. But, he said, evidence will not prove that Washington is guilty of their murders.
"There's a bunch of people who bear responsibility in this case," Sullivan said. "But there aren't 10 people who are guilty of this murder. Mr. Washington is one of the people who are not guilty of this murder."
Earlier today, the state called Cape firefighter Michael Hannon to the stand. He testified to responding to a fire in an industrial park north of Andalusia
Boulevard and Kismet Parkway, which turned out to be a vehicle fire where he discovered the Sosas bodies and contacted the police department.
Cape Coral Det. Kurt Grau also took the stand. The state presented forensic video of the crime scene on a projector screen. The video shows footage of the Sosas' bodies and burnt vehicle near a hill in the industrial park.
Washington watched the video quietly.
9:30 -- Cash Feenz defendant Washington's trial under way
The trial of Roderick Washington, accused "Cash Feenz" defendant in the 2006 double murder of Jeffery and Alexis Sosa, resumed with opening statements this morning.
He's charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
Assistant State Attorney Marie Doerr described the beating, torture, killing and setting fire of the Sosas at a birthday party at co-defendant Kemar Johnston's house and a Cape Coral industrial park to 12 jurors and two alternates. She retraced Washington's alleged involvement in the killings.
Paul Sullivan, Washington's defense attorney, told the jury there were many people at Johnston's house that night responsible for what happened to the Sosas. But, he said, evidence will not prove that Washington is guilty of their murders.
"There's a bunch of people who bear responsibility in this case," Sullivan said. "But there aren't 10 people who are guilty of this murder. Mr. Washington is one of the people who are not guilty of this murder."
The state has already called Cape firefighter Michael Hannon to the stand. He testified to responding to a fire in an industrial park north of Andalusia Boulevard and Kismet Parkway, which turned out to be a vehicle fire where he discovered the Sosas bodies and contacted the police department.
Cape Coral Det. Kurt Grau also took the stand. The state presented forensic video of the crime scene on a projector screen. The video shows footage of the Sosas' bodies and burnt vehicle near a hill in the industrial park.
Washington watched the video quietly.
Jury seated in trial for defendant in ’06 double murder; Faces life if convicted
By CONNOR HOLMES
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/6/09
1.)“Cash Feenz” defendant Roderick Washington, left, discusses jury selection with co-council Paul Sullivan and Toby Oonk during his trial Tuesday.
2.)“Cash Feenz” defendant Roderick Washington listens to potential jurors answer the questions of Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese during jury selection for his trial Tuesday.
*photos copyright to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
-----------
From 70 to 14.
That is the equation state and defense lawyers were trying to solve Tuesday so alleged "Cash Feenz" defendant Roderick Washington will receive a fair trial.
After extensive questioning throughout the day, behind closed doors and in open court, lawyers whittled the initial jury pool of 70 down to four men and 10 women.
Two of the jurors are alternates.
Washington is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He is one of 10 defendants accused in the 2006 torture and killings of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa in Cape Coral.
He faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
In Courtroom H of the Lee County Justice Center, presiding Judge Thomas Reese, Assistant State Attorney Bobby Lee and defense lawyer Paul Sullivan questioned the potential jury pool, which was too large to house in Reese's usual courtroom, Courtroom G.
When Reese asked the jurors if they had heard of the case, a large number of them raised their hand to indicate they had.
"Knowledge of the case is OK," he said. "I'm concerned about if you've formed an opinion. Can you be objective, fair and impartial, and reach a conclusion?"
To ensure Washington's jury would be able to answer "yes" to Reese's question, he and lawyers spoke with jurors individually in an adjacent conference room, where other jurors could not hear.
One by one the jurors entered and left until only 43 remained.
They were then asked a series of questions by Lee and Sullivan, such as if they had negative feelings about law enforcement officers, if they would judge Washington if he did not testify despite his constitutional right not to, if they listened to rap and their feelings toward gang violence.
Opening statements will begin today, and the trial is slated to run through the week.
Co-defendants Mike Balint, Cody Roux, Iriana Santos, Kemar Johnston and Alexis Fernandez were among those listed as possible state's witnesses during the trial.
Fernandez pleaded guilty to lesser charges last week as part of a state plea deal. If he testifies truthfully against his co-defendants during their trials, he will be sentenced to 26 years in prison.
Johnston and two other defendants in the case, Kenneth Lopez and Paul Nunes, have impending trials and face the death penalty if convicted.
Co-defendant Ashley Toye was found guilty in a jury trial and sentenced to life in prison.
Washington's trial resumes today at 8:30 a.m.
published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze 5/6/09
1.)“Cash Feenz” defendant Roderick Washington, left, discusses jury selection with co-council Paul Sullivan and Toby Oonk during his trial Tuesday.
2.)“Cash Feenz” defendant Roderick Washington listens to potential jurors answer the questions of Lee Circuit Judge Thomas Reese during jury selection for his trial Tuesday.
*photos copyright to the Cape Coral Daily Breeze
-----------
From 70 to 14.
That is the equation state and defense lawyers were trying to solve Tuesday so alleged "Cash Feenz" defendant Roderick Washington will receive a fair trial.
After extensive questioning throughout the day, behind closed doors and in open court, lawyers whittled the initial jury pool of 70 down to four men and 10 women.
Two of the jurors are alternates.
Washington is charged with two counts each of first-degree murder, kidnaping and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He is one of 10 defendants accused in the 2006 torture and killings of Alexis and Jeffery Sosa in Cape Coral.
He faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
In Courtroom H of the Lee County Justice Center, presiding Judge Thomas Reese, Assistant State Attorney Bobby Lee and defense lawyer Paul Sullivan questioned the potential jury pool, which was too large to house in Reese's usual courtroom, Courtroom G.
When Reese asked the jurors if they had heard of the case, a large number of them raised their hand to indicate they had.
"Knowledge of the case is OK," he said. "I'm concerned about if you've formed an opinion. Can you be objective, fair and impartial, and reach a conclusion?"
To ensure Washington's jury would be able to answer "yes" to Reese's question, he and lawyers spoke with jurors individually in an adjacent conference room, where other jurors could not hear.
One by one the jurors entered and left until only 43 remained.
They were then asked a series of questions by Lee and Sullivan, such as if they had negative feelings about law enforcement officers, if they would judge Washington if he did not testify despite his constitutional right not to, if they listened to rap and their feelings toward gang violence.
Opening statements will begin today, and the trial is slated to run through the week.
Co-defendants Mike Balint, Cody Roux, Iriana Santos, Kemar Johnston and Alexis Fernandez were among those listed as possible state's witnesses during the trial.
Fernandez pleaded guilty to lesser charges last week as part of a state plea deal. If he testifies truthfully against his co-defendants during their trials, he will be sentenced to 26 years in prison.
Johnston and two other defendants in the case, Kenneth Lopez and Paul Nunes, have impending trials and face the death penalty if convicted.
Co-defendant Ashley Toye was found guilty in a jury trial and sentenced to life in prison.
Washington's trial resumes today at 8:30 a.m.
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