Fletcher v. State
The Florida Supreme Court affirmed Timothy Fletcher's death sentence imposed after a Hurst resentencing for the 2009 murder of Helen Googe. The Court rejected nine claims, including a novel theory of 'reverse jury nullification' based on the jury's verdict-form finding of 'no' mitigation despite substantial unrebutted mitigation evidence, holding that the sentencing court properly cured any irregularity by independently finding and weighing the mitigators.
Key facts
- Timothy Fletcher was convicted of the 2009 murder of Helen Googe and received a death sentence, which was vacated and required to be reimposed following the Supreme Court's decision in Hurst v. Florida.
- At Fletcher's resentencing, the jury's verdict form answered 'no' to whether mitigating circumstances were proven, despite substantial unrebutted mitigation evidence presented at trial.
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Why it matters
This capital direct appeal is notable primarily for its treatment of a novel 'reverse jury nullification' argument—where a capital jury's verdict-form answer of 'no' mitigation conflicted with substantial unrebutted… — full analysis with a trial
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