The Commission on Capital Cases updates this information regularly. This information; however, is subject to change and may not reflect the latest status of an inmate’s case and should not be relied upon for statistical or legal purposes.
ISRAEL, Connie (B/M)
DOB: 04/09/57
Seventh Judicial Circuit, Putnam County Case # 93-1684
Sentencing Judge: The Honorable Kim C. Hammond
Attorney, Trial: Pro Se, Clyde Wolfe & Wayne Henderson – Private (Standby Counsel)
Attorney, Direct Appeal: George D.E. Burden – Assistant Public Defender
Attorney, Collateral Appeals: Robert Strain & David Gemmer – CCRC-M
Date of Offense: 12/27/91
Date of Sentence: 05/28/99
Circumstances of Offense:
On 12/27/91, when Esther Hagans did not arrive for work, a fellow employee went to Hagan’s house and found her car in the carport. When the employee called Hagan’s house and found no answer, the police were called.
Police found Hagan’s front door ajar and discovered her body in the bedroom. She was lying naked on the bed with her legs spread apart and her hands tied behind her back. Hagan’s body had trauma to the left side of the head, cuts to the left eyebrow and temple, as well as abrasions and tears on the right side of the head, which caused major hemorrhage to the brain. Hagans’ body also had external vaginal injuries consistent with sexual assault. The cause of death was a heart attack, brought on by the beating and sexual assault. Hagans was 77 years old at the time of the murder.
At the crime scene, police also found footprints on the front porch steps and in a drainage ditch along the side of the house. A screwdriver was found outside of a window, leading police to conclude that the point of entry into the house was a bedroom window. Sperm and semen stains were found on a pillowcase, slip, and a bedspread found in the bedroom. Semen from vaginal swabs taken from Hagan’s body was consistent with the semen found in the bedroom. Human blood was also found in a towel at the crime scene.
Connie Israel registered at the Palatka Holiday Inn on 12/28/91 and paid in cash for two nights. Maryann Pittman, an acquaintance of Israel, testified that she smoked crack cocaine with Israel at the hotel room. Pittman took a shower in the hotel room and noticed a pair of pants and a shirt in the bathtub, which was filled with red water. Pittman also noticed a black purse under the bed in the room and money in his wallet. Israel told her that the money was winnings from the Florida Lottery.
Melvin Shorter, an acquaintance of Israel who sold him the cocaine, testified that he saw Israel and Pittman at the hotel and that Israel paid cash for the cocaine, telling him that he had “hit the lottery.”
Israel and three other individuals were identified as suspects in the murder of Hagans. All four individuals were interviewed and had blood samples taken. DNA comparisons revealed that Israel was the source of the sperm and semen stains found at the crime scene.
Arthur McComb, a legal clerk who was a cellmate of Israel, testified that Israel asked for help with his case. According to McComb, Israel stated that he was charged with First-Degree Murder and that he tried to knock the victim’s head off because she tried to “gum him.” Israel also indicated that he had sexually assaulted the victim and had gone to the victim’s house to steal church money. Israel took $7,000 to $10,000 during the burglary.
Prior Incarceration History in the State of Florida:
|
Current Prison Sentence History: |
|||||
|
Offense Date |
Offense |
Sentence Date |
County |
Case No. |
Prison Sentence Length |
|
09/22/1992 |
BURGLARY ASSAULT ANY PERSON |
01/27/1994 |
PUTNAM |
9201289 |
SENTENCED TO LIFE |
|
09/22/1992 |
KIDNAP;COMM.OR FAC.FELONY |
01/27/1994 |
PUTNAM |
9201289 |
SENTENCED TO LIFE |
|
09/22/1992 |
ROBB. NO GUN/DDLY.WPN |
01/27/1994 |
PUTNAM |
9201289 |
30Y 0M 0D |
|
09/22/1992 |
SEX BAT/INJURY NOT LIKELY |
01/27/1994 |
PUTNAM |
9301289 |
30Y 0M 0D |
|
09/22/1992 |
SEX BAT/INJURY NOT LIKELY |
01/27/1994 |
PUTNAM |
9201289 |
30Y 0M 0D |
|
11/05/1993 |
BATTERY LAW ENFORCEMENT |
08/18/1994 |
PUTNAM |
9301648 |
5Y 0M 0D |
|
11/05/1993 |
RESISTING OFFICER W/VIOLEN. |
08/18/1994 |
PUTNAM |
9301648 |
5Y 0M 0D |
|
Prior Prison History: |
|||||
|
Offense Date |
Offense |
Sentence Date |
County |
Case No. |
Prison Sentence Length |
|
04/27/1978 |
BURGUNOCCSTRUC/CV OR ATT. |
04/27/1978 |
INTERSTATE |
|
5Y 0M 0D |
|
06/01/1987 |
UTTERING FORGERY |
02/05/1990 |
ST. JOHNS |
8701305 |
1Y 10M 0D |
|
06/03/1987 |
UTTERING FORGERY |
05/09/1991 |
ST. JOHNS |
8701305 |
2Y 6M 0D |
|
Prior Community Supervision History: |
|||||
|
Offense Date |
Offense |
Sentence Date |
County |
Case No. |
Community Supervision Length |
|
06/01/1987 |
UTTERING FORGERY |
02/05/1990 |
ST. JOHNS |
8701305 |
5Y 0M 0D |
Trial Summary:
12/16/93 Indicted as follows:
Count I: Burglary
Count II: Kidnapping
Count III: Sexual Battery
Count IV: First-Degree Murder
11/20/98 Jury was unable to reach a verdict and a mistrial was declared
03/01/99 Jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts of the indictment
03/02/99 Jury recommended death by a vote of 11-1
05/28/99 Sentenced as follows:
Count I: Burglary – Life Imprisonment
Count II: Kidnapping – Life Imprisonment
Count III: Sexual Battery – Life Imprisonment
Count IV: First-Degree Murder – Death
Appeal Summary:
Florida Supreme Court – Direct Appeal
FSC# 95,873
837 So.2d 381
06/28/99 Appeal filed
12/19/02 FSC affirmed convictions and sentences
01/09/03 Mandate issued
Florida Supreme Court – Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
FSC# 02-24
816 So.2d 127
01/04/02 Petition filed
03/14/02 FSC granted Pro Se motion to withdraw Petition
U.S. Supreme Court – Petition for Writ of Certiorari
USSC# 02-10141
539 U.S. 931
03/19/03 Petition filed
06/16/03 USSC denied Petition
Circuit Court – 3.851 Motion
CC# 93-1684
12/01/03 Motion filed
02/11/04 Motion amended
08/19/05 CC denied Motion
Florida Supreme Court – 3.851 Motion Appeal
FSC# 05-1739
985 So. 2d 510
09/16/05 Appeal filed
03/20/08 Appeal denied
Florida Supreme Court – Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
FSC# 06-653
985 So. 2d 510
04/06/06 Petition filed
03/20/08
Petition denied
United States
District Court, Middle District – Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
USDC#
09-00058
01/23/09 Petition filed
Factors Contributing to the Delay in Imposition of Sentence:
The case appears to be progressing within acceptable time parameters.
Case Information:
Israel filed a Direct Appeal with the Florida Supreme Court on 06/28/99, citing the following errors: conducting portions of jury selection without defendant’s presence; denying a motion for continuance; failing to grant a motion for mistrial in guilt and penalty phases for prejudicial statements; requiring physical restraints in the courtroom; ignoring nonstatutory mitigating evidence; relying on a split jury vote for recommendation of a death sentence; and disproportionality of the death sentence. On 12/19/02, the FSC affirmed the convictions and sentences.
Israel filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus with the Florida Supreme Court on 01/04/02 that was withdrawn on 03/14/02.
Israel filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on 03/19/03 that was denied on 06/16/03.
Israel filed a 3.851 Motion with the Circuit Court on 12/01/03 and amended the Motion on 02/11/04. The Circuit Court denied the motion on 08/19/05.
Israel filed a 3.851 Motion Appeal with the Florida Supreme Court on 09/16/05 that was denied on 03/20/08.
Israel filed a Petition
for Writ of Habeas Corpus with the Florida Supreme Court on 04/06/06 that that
was denied on 03/20/08.
Israel filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus with the United States District Court on 01/23/09. This petition is pending.
Institutional Adjustment:
THE FOLLOWING ENTRIES REFLECT DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AGAINST THE INMATE
FOR VIOLATION OF THE RULE CITED AND INDICATE THE GAIN TIME DAYS LOST.
DATE DAYS VIOLATION LOCATION
03/31/94 30 DISOBEYING ORDER NEW RIVER-EAST UNIT
08/12/94 20 REFUSING TO WORK NEW RIVER-EAST UNIT
12/26/94 24 REFUSING TO WORK BAKER C. I.
01/17/95 0 SPOKEN THREATS BAKER C. I.
01/18/95 0 SPOKEN THREATS BAKER C. I.
03/30/95 0 DISRESP.TO OFFICIALS BAKER C. I.
04/06/95 0 DISOBEYING ORDER BAKER C. I.
05/04/95 1 SPOKEN THREATS BAKER C. I.
05/05/95 0 DISOBEYING ORDER BAKER C. I.
05/29/95 0 UNARMED ASSAULT BAKER C. I.
06/07/95 0 DISRESP.TO OFFICIALS BAKER C. I.
06/20/95 0 DISRESP.TO OFFICIALS BAKER C. I.
07/15/95 0 DISOBEYING ORDER BAKER C. I.
08/01/95 0 DISOBEYING ORDER BAKER C. I.
08/02/95 0 SPOKEN THREATS BAKER C. I.
08/02/95 0 DISOBEYING ORDER BAKER C. I.
08/03/95 0 SPOKEN THREATS BAKER C. I.
06/08/96 30 DEST. OF STATE PROP. CENTRAL OFFICE
06/08/96 15 POSS OF CONTRABAND CENTRAL OFFICE
06/28/96 56 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CENTRAL OFFICE
07/14/96 0 DISOBEYING ORDER CENTRAL OFFICE
07/24/96 0 DISRESP.TO OFFICIALS CENTRAL OFFICE
07/27/96 0 UNARMED ASSAULT CENTRAL OFFICE
07/27/96 0 DISRESP.TO OFFICIALS CENTRAL OFFICE
07/27/96 0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CENTRAL OFFICE
07/28/96 0 SPOKEN THREATS CENTRAL OFFICE
07/28/96 0 DISOBEY REGULATIONS CENTRAL OFFICE
07/28/96 0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CENTRAL OFFICE
07/29/96 0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CENTRAL OFFICE
07/30/96 0 DISOBEYING ORDER CENTRAL OFFICE
08/08/96 0 FAIL.PERSONAL HYG. CENTRAL OFFICE
08/14/96 0 SPOKEN THREATS CENTRAL OFFICE
08/14/96 0 DISRESP.TO OFFICIALS CENTRAL OFFICE
08/14/96 0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CENTRAL OFFICE
08/15/96 0 DISOBEYING ORDER CENTRAL OFFICE
10/23/97 0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CENTRAL OFFICE
10/24/97 0 SPOKEN THREATS CENTRAL OFFICE
10/24/97 0 INCITING RIOTS CENTRAL OFFICE
10/24/97 0 DISOBEYING ORDER CENTRAL OFFICE
10/24/97 12 MISUSE OF STATE PROP CENTRAL OFFICE
10/24/97 0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CENTRAL OFFICE
11/20/97 0 LYING TO STAFF TAYLOR C.I.
11/25/97 0 SPOKEN THREATS TAYLOR C.I.
11/25/97 0 DISOBEYING ORDER TAYLOR C.I.
11/25/97 0 MISUSE OF STATE PROP TAYLOR C.I.
11/25/97 0 DISORDERLY CONDUCT TAYLOR C.I.
06/24/99 180 LYING TO STAFF FLORIDA STATE PRISON
05/23/01 60 DISOBEYING ORDER UNION C. I.
10/27/05 30 FIGHTING UNION C.I.
Report Date: 06/30/04 JFL
Approved: 07/01/04 EW
Updated: 03/09/09 KLH