ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — After a four-week trial, a jury in St. Lucie County recommended the killer of a St. Lucie County deputy 11 years ago be re-sentenced to death.
Eriese Tisdale shot and killed Sgt. Gary Morales inside his patrol car in 2013 and was sentenced to death in 2015. Since then, there have been numerous changes to Florida's death penalty law, which is what landed the case back in court.
Region St Lucie County
Why a man once on death row for killing a deputy is back in court
The new law requires an 8-4 super majority vote to recommend the death penalty. In this case, the jury narrowly cleared the hurdle, ruling 9-3 to re-impose the death penalty for Tisdale.
Region St Lucie County
Family, friends honor St. Lucie County deputy killed 10 years ago
"This was absolutely something we wanted," State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl told WPTV. "From the moment [the death penalty] was overturned, we swore we would continue to try this case and make sure justice was done for Gary."
A judge will make a final ruling on Tisdale's sentencing in October.
