USA - Florida. Judge Russell Healey re-sentenced Raymond Bright to two death sentences

Duval County Judge Russell Healey re-sentenced Raymond Bright, 63, Black, to two death sentences. Citing inadequate legal representation, the Florida Supreme Court last year ordered Raymond Bright re-sentenced for the murders of Derrick King and Randall Brown. Prosecutors said the victims were killed what during a drug-related dispute. In part, the Supreme Court described Bright's "nightmarish childhood," which included significant abuse, and said such issues were not adequately raised during the original sentencing to try to spare Bright from the death penalty. "The jury never learned who Raymond Bright is," the Supreme Court opinion said. "Therefore, competent, substantial evidence supports the findings of the post-conviction court that Bright was prejudiced by the deficient performance of his penalty phase counsel." But on September 25, 2017 (see) a jury unanimously resentenced Bright to die, and today Judge Healey upheld the sentence.