USA - Florida. U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scrive overturned the death sentence of for James Guzman.

U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scrive ordered a 3rd trial for James Guzman. Judge Scrive said Guzman's right to a fair trial was violated because of misconduct by the Daytona Beach police, who didn't disclose that a key witness was paid a $500 reward. Guzman, 45, white, was convicted and sentenced to death in September 1992 for the Aug. 10, 1991 slaying of David Colvin, 48. The Florida Supreme Court overturned the conviction two years later and ordered a new trial because of a conflict of interest in Guzman's defense by the Public Defender's Office. Guzman was sentenced to death again in 1996 after waiving a jury trial and opting for a bench trial before Circuit Judge William C. Johnson Jr. Today that 1996 death sentence was overturned.