USA - Florida. The Florida Supreme Court vacated the death sentences imposed on Robert McCloud

The Florida Supreme Court vacated the death sentences imposed on Robert McCloud, and ordered that McCloud be resentenced to life without parole, finding that the death penalty was a disproportionate punishment. Robert McCloud, 35, faced capital punishment for the 2009 murders of Tamiqa Taylor, 26, and Dustin Freeman, 23, who were killed while McCloud and 3 other men tortured and robbed Wilkins Merlin, a known drug dealer, according to court documents.
The group ransacked Merlin's house, taking about $5,000 in cash, $10,000 in marijuana and a handgun. But they were convinced Merlin was hiding more and tortured him, trying to learn where. They dropped a 40-pound dumbbell on his head, sliced his arms with a steak knife, doused him with boiling water and bleach, and shot him several times in the stomach, testicle and thigh.They also killed Freeman and Taylor, with gunshots to the heads from close range. Merlin survived, as did his 3-year-old daughter, who was found physically unharmed at the crime scene. Prosecutors could have sought the death penalty for all four. Instead, they made plea deals and the other 3 received sentences of 10 to 15 years for 2nd-degree murder in exchange for their testimony against McCloud. The Supreme Court said McCloud's double death sentences were unfair because his co-defendants were just as culpable and received far less severe sentences. The court also noted that the jury determined McCloud wasn't the shooter.