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 on for statistical or legal purposes.
Wuornos, Aileen W/F
A.K.A.: Greene, Cammie Marsh, Grody, Lori Kristine, Blahovec, Susan Lynn
DC# 150924
DOB: 02/29/56
Volusia County Case:
Seventh Judicial Circuit, Volusia County Case#91-0257
Sentencing Judge: The Honorable Uriel Blount
Trial Attorney: Steven Glazer
Attorney, Direct Appeal: Christopher S. Quarles, Assistant Public Defender
Attorney, Collateral Appeals: Richie Kiley, CCRC (Discharged on 04-01-02, per FSC)
Date of Offense: Approximately 12-01-89
Date of Sentence:01-31-92
Circumstance of Offense:
On December 1, 1989 a deputy discovered an abandoned vehicle belonging to Richard Mallory. His body was later found December 13, 1989, several miles away from his vehicle, in a wooded area. A forensic investigation revealed that Mallory had been shot four times with a .22 caliber firearm while sitting behind the wheel of his vehicle, and his pockets had been turned inside out. The medical examiner determined that he had been drinking; however was unable to determine if he was intoxicated. Investigators set up a command post in Marion County in an attempt to locate suspects. After the release of a press report, investigators developed several hundred leads. The pool of suspects was narrowed to two main suspects: Aileen Wuornos and her companion, Tyria Moore. It was discovered that Wuornos had pawned a radar detector and a camera belonging to the victim. Investigators searched a warehouse rented by Wuornos and located several of victim Mallory’s possessions. Officers apprehended Wuornos, and she gave a full confession admitting that she had killed Mallory but denied that her companion, Moore had any knowledge of or involvement in the murder.
Trial Summary:
01-16-91-Defendant arrested.
02-20-91- Public Defender (7th circuit) filed motion to withdrawal as counsel.
02-22-91- Motion denied.
03-04-91- Motion to dismiss 7th circuit Public Defender granted. Tricia Jenkins,
an assistant public defender of 5th Judicial Circuit appointed.
12-06-91- State filed motion for Judge Gayle Graziano to recuse herself; motion denied.
12-13-91- State’s motion for recusal granted: Judge Uriel Blount appointed.
01-27-92- Defendant found guilty by the trial jury.
01-30-92- Upon advisory sentencing, the jury, by a 12 to 0 vote, recommended the death
penalty.
01-31-92- Defendant adjudicated guilty. sentenced as follows:
Count I: First Degree Murder- Death
Count II: Robbery with a Firearm- 10 years prison.
Florida Supreme Court, Direct Appeal.
FSC# 79,484
644 So.2d. 1000 (Fla. 1994)
03-09-92- Appeal filed
09-22-94- FSC affirmed convictions and sentence of Death.
11-16-94- Rehearing denied.
12-20-94- Mandate issued.
United States Supreme Court, Petition for Writ of Certiorari
USSC# 94-8135
514 U.S. 1069; 115 S.Ct. 1705; 131 L.Ed.2d 566
02-14-95- Petition filed
04-17-95- USSC denied petition.
Circuit Court Case # 91-0257-CF
03-24-97- Motion filed.
04-11-00- Motion denied.
FSC# SC00-1199
06-05-00- Appeal filed
06-13-01- Jurisdiction relinquished to circuit court to determine competency. (90 days)
FSC# SC01-822
04-16-01- Petition filed.
06-13-01- Jurisdiction relinquished to circuit court to determine competency. (90 days)
Circuit Court Case # 91-0257-CF
06-13-01- Competency to be determined per FSC.
07-20-01- Defendant determined to be competent.
FSC# SC00-1199
08-15-01- Returned from circuit court.
04-01-02- CCRC discharged, appeal dismissed.
FSC# SC01-822
08-15-01- Returned from circuit court.
04-01-02- CCRC discharged, petition dismissed.
Volusia County Case Information:
On 01-28-93 Wuornos filed a Direct Appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. Wuornos’ arguments on appeal included, that certain information and documents were withheld from her during pre-trial discovery, law enforcement officials brought notes to the witness stand, the Williams rule prejudiced her case, law enforcement officers tricked her into confessing, the trial court erred in denying a change of venue and in instructing the jury on her offense, meeting the criteria of cold, calculated premeditation and the heinous atrocious and cruel aggravator. She claimed the trial court improperly permitted the State to introduce her lack of remorse and failed to consider mitigating factors. The Florida Supreme Court affirmed the Judgment and sentence on 09-22-94. The United States Supreme Court on 04-17-95 denied certiorari.
Wuornos then filed a 3.850 motion in the state circuit court. This motion was denied on 04-25-00. The denial was appealed to the Florida Supreme Court on 06-05-00, and a Habeas petition was filed on 04-16-01. Both of these appeals are presently pending in the Florida Supreme Court. On 06-13-01, the Florida Supreme Court relinquished jurisdiction for 90 days to the circuit court to determine Wuornos’ competency.
On 07-20-01, the court determined Wuornos competent. On 08-15-01 the Florida Supreme Court received the order from the circuit court returning both the 3.850 and habeas appeals. On 04-01-02, the Florida Supreme Court approved of the trial court’s conclusion that Wuornos is competent to proceed. The court discharged the Office of the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel-Middle Region, and dismissed her appeals without further review.
Marion/Citrus County Cases:
Fifth Judicial Circuit, Marion County Cases # 91-304, 91-463
Citrus County Case # 91-112CF
Sentencing Judge: The Honorable Thomas D. Sawaya
Trial Attorney: Steven Glazer
Attorney, Direct Appeal: Christopher Quarles, Assistant Public Defender
Attorney, Collateral Appeals: Richie Kiley, CCRC (Discharged on 04-01-02, per FSC)
Marion County Case - 91-304:
Date of Offense: Approximately 9-11-90
Date of Sentence: 05-15-92
Circumstance of Offense:
On September 11, 1990, Charles Humphreys, a retired Alabama police chief employed by HRS as a caseworker, was reported missing by his family. The following day his body was discovered in an isolated area. The autopsy indicated that the victim had been shot seven times. Investigators reported that the victim’s pockets were turned inside out and later discovered his wallet and police badge approximately fifty miles away. The victim’s car was located behind an abandoned gas station and had been wiped clean to remove fingerprints. The license tag and bumper sticker had been removed.
Once in custody Aileen Wuornos confessed that she had shot the victim with a .22 high standard 9 shot single action revolver. She claimed that she had shot him additional times “ to put him out of his misery”.
Circumstance of Offense:
Delivery truck driver Troy Burress vanished while making deliveries on 7-30-1990. His truck was discovered the next day at the intersection of State Roads 40 and 19. Both his keys and his delivery receipts were missing .On 8-4-1990 his body was discovered approximately eight miles from where his truck was recovered. His wallet, credit cards and receipts were located; however, his cash was missing. The autopsy indicated that he died as a result of two gunshot wounds to the chest and back.
Trial Summary:
02-20-91- Defendant indicted by the Grand Jury, Public Defender appointed
02-08-91- Plea of Not Guilty entered
03-26-92- Motion to withdraw as counsel (public defender) granted.
Private Attorney Steven Glazer appointed.
03-31-92- Plea of Nolo Contendre entered.
05-07-92- Upon advisory sentencing, the jury, by a 10 to 2 majority recommended
the death penalty.
05-15-92- The defendant was adjudicated guilty and sentenced as follows:
Count I: First Degree Murder- Death
Count II: Robbery with a Firearm- 40 years prison/three- year mandatory
minimum.
Circumstance of Offense:
In June 1990, the nude, decomposed body of David Spears was discovered. A used condom was found close to the body. A forensic anthropologist determined that the victim had died of six gunshot wounds. The victim’s truck was found at a separate location. The truck had a flat tire and had been abandoned. Spears’ toolbox, clothing, a ceramic panther, the vehicle tag, and his car keys were missing.
Trial Summary:
02-22-91- Defendant was indicted by the Grand Jury.
03-31-92- Defendant represented by private attorney Steven Glazer, enters a plea
of Nolo Contendre.
05-15-92- The defendant was adjudicated guilty and sentenced as follows
Count I: First Degree Murder- Death
Count II: Robbery with a Firearm- 40 years prison/three- year mandatory
Marion/Citrus County Circuit Court Cases
Appeal Summary:
Florida Supreme Court, Direct Appeal.
FSC# 81,059
644 So.2d 1012
01-13-93- Appeal filed
10-06-94- FSC affirmed convictions and sentences of Death.
11-21-94- Rehearing denied.
12-21-94- Mandate issued.
USSC# 94-8193
514 U.S. 1070; 115 S. Ct. 1708; 131 L. Ed.2d 568
02-21-95- Petition filed
04-17-95- USSC denied petition.
Circuit Court Case #’s 91-112CF(Citrus), 91-304, 91-463, (Marion)
03-24-97- Motion filed.
10-09-00- Huff hearing held.
06-07-01-Motion denied
FSC# SC01-1391
07-10-01- Appeal filed
06-13-01- Jurisdiction relinquished to circuit court to determine competency. (90 days)
Circuit Court Case # 91-0257-CF
06-13-01- Competency to be determined per FSC.
07-20-01- Defendant determined to be competent.
FSC# SC01-1391
08-15-01- Returned from circuit court.
04-01-02- CCRC discharged, appeal dismissed.
Marion/Citrus County Case information:
On 01-13-93, Wuornos filed a direct appeal to the Florida Supreme Court. She argued a number of claims including, her no-contest plea was not voluntarily or intelligently made, her plea was improper because she alleges that she had killed in self-defense, the trial judge failed to apprise her of the mandatory minimum sentence of Life imprisonment. Wuornos claimed her statements in her plea colloquy were so rambling and irrational that the trial court should have ordered an evaluation to determine competency to stand trial. Wuornos alleges she was denied her rights when during closing arguments, the State urged the jury to take its role seriously even though she had been sentenced to death in an earlier murder. She claimed there was insufficient evidence to support some aggravating factors and that valid mitigators were ignored. The Supreme Court subsequently affirmed the convictions and sentences on 10-06-94. The United States Supreme Court on 04-17-95 denied certiorari.
Wuornos then filed a 3.850 motion on 03-24-97 that was subsequently denied on
06-07-01. An appeal of the trial court’s 3.850 denial was filed in the Florida Supreme Court on 07-10-01. On 06-13-01, the Florida Supreme Court relinquished jurisdiction for 90 days to the circuit court to determine Wuornos’ competency. On 07-20-01, the court determined Wuornos competent. On 08-15-01 the Florida Supreme Court received the order from the circuit court returning the 3.850 appeal. On 04-01-02, the Florida Supreme Court approved of the trial court’s conclusion that Wuornos is competent to proceed. The court discharged the Office of the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel-Middle Region, and dismissed her appeals without further review.
Dixie County Case:
Third Judicial Circuit, Dixie County Case # 92-52
Sentencing Judge: The Honorable Royce Agner
Trial Attorney: Steven Glazer
Attorney, Direct Appeal: David Davis
Attorney, Collateral Appeals: Richie Kiley, CCRC
Date of Offense: 11-18-90
Date of Sentence: 02-04-93
Circumstance of Offense:
On 11-18-1990, sixty-two year old Walter Antonio left Cocoa, Florida heading toward Montgomery, Alabama. The following day his nude body was discovered in a wooded area north of Cross City, Florida. Evidence indicated that he had been shot four times in the back with a .22 caliber gun.
Aileen Wuornos claimed in her confession that victim Antonio had pulled out a false police badge and claimed that he would arrest her unless she had sex with him for free. Wuornos claimed that she challenged him, asserting that he was not a law enforcement officer. She stated he continued demanding sex therefore; she pulled her gun. She claimed a struggle occurred, and she shot him twice. He called her a profane name, and she then shot him twice more. Wuornos claimed she took some of his property and fled in his car. Detectives discovered that Wuornos had pawned a ring belonging to the victim and later found a number of his belongings in a warehouse rented by her.
Trial Summary:
04-16-92- Defendant indicted by the Grand Jury
02-04-93-Upon advisory recommendation, the jury, by a 7 to 5 majority recommended
the death penalty.
02-04-93- The defendant entered a plea of guilty, was adjudicated guilty and sentenced as
follows:
Count I: First Degree Murder- Death
Count II: Robbery with a Firearm- 17 years prison
Florida Supreme Court, Direct Appeal.
FSC# 81,498
676 So. 2d 972
03-30-93- Appeal filed
05-09-96- FSC affirmed convictions and sentence of Death.
07-10-96- Rehearing denied.
08-09-96- Mandate issued.
United States Supreme Court, Petition for Writ of Certiorari
USSC# 96-6063
519 U.S. 997; 117 S.Ct.491; 136 L. Ed. 2d 384
09-23-96- Petition filed
11-18-96- USSC denied petition.
Circuit Court Case # 92-52-CF
(Pending)
11-01-97- Motion filed.
03-01-00- Amended motion filed.
Case Information:
Wuornos filed a Direct Appeal to the Florida Supreme Court on 3-30-93. She challenged her conviction, based on a number of issues including, the contention that the trial court erred in accepting her guilty plea, which was not voluntary because defense counsel did not adequately advise her as to the consequence of her action. Wuornos argued that the trial court erred in finding the murder aggravated by cold, calculated premeditation and that the jury instruction given on this issue was the same one condemned in Jackson v. State 648 So. 2d 85 (Fla. 1994) requiring a new penalty phase. Wuornos claimed the court failed to find in mitigation the alleged fact that the victim contributed to the acts leading to his death. The Florida Supreme Court then affirmed the judgment and sentence of the trial court. The United States Supreme Court on 11-18-96 denied certiorari.
Wuornos then filed a 3.850 motion in the trial court, which is presently pending.
Pasco County Case:
Sixth Judicial Circuit, Pasco County Case # 91-01232
Sentencing Judge: The Honorable Wayne L. Cobb
Trial Attorney: Steven Glazer
Attorney, Direct Appeal: Paul Helm
Attorney, Collateral Appeals: Richie Kiley, CCRC (Discharged on 04-01-02, per FSC)
Date of Offense: Between 5-31-90 and 6-6-1990
Date of Sentence:02-05-93
Circumstance of Offense:
Charles Carskaddon was last seen alive on 5-31-90, when he left home en route to Tampa driving his Cadillac. His badly decomposed body was discovered in Pasco County
on 6-6-1990 in a remote area. His body was covered by an electric blanket and covered with grass. The Medical examiner determined that he had been shot eight times.
Investigators located his car and its contents in a separate location. Law enforcement officials discovered that Wuornos pawned a gun belonging to the victim and was observed by witnesses driving the victim’s car.
Trial Summary:
04-16-91- Defendant was indicted by the Grand Jury
05-15-91- Public Defender appointed.
05-15-91- Defendant entered a plea of not guilty
04-06-92- Motion for public defender to withdraw as counsel granted, Steven Gazer
appointed on 06-22-92. Defendant filed a petition to enter a plea of guilty.
02-05-93-Penalty Phase waived, Defendant adjudicated guilty, Sentenced as follows:
Count I: First Degree Murder- Death
Appellate Summary:
Florida Supreme Court, Direct Appeal.
FSC# 81,466
676 So. 2d.972
03-24-93- Appeal filed
09-21-95- FSC affirmed convictions and sentence of Death.
06-05-96- Rehearing denied.
07-09-96- Mandate issued.
United States Supreme Court, Petition for Writ of Certiorari
USSC# 96-5766
519 U.S. 968; 117 S.Ct. 136 L. Ed.2d 310
08-29-96- Petition filed
11-04-96- USSC denied petition.
Circuit Court Case # 91-1232-CF
11-25-97- Motion filed.
07-27-00- Motion denied.
FSC# SC00-1748
08-25-00- Appeal filed
06-13-01- Jurisdiction relinquished to circuit court to determine competency. (90 days)
FSC# SC01-265
02-05-01- Petition filed.
06-13-01- Jurisdiction relinquished to circuit court to determine competency. (90 days)
Circuit Court Case # 91-0257-CF
06-13-01- Competency to be determined per FSC.
07-20-01- Defendant determined to be competent.
FSC# SC00-1748
08-15-01- Returned from circuit court.
04-01-02- CCRC discharged, appeal dismissed.
FSC# SC01-265
08-15-01- Returned from circuit court.
04-01-02- CCRC discharged, petition dismissed.
Case Information:
Wuornos filed her Direct Appeal to the Florida Supreme Court on 03-24-93. Her arguments included, that her guilty plea was accepted in error by the trial court, waiver of her rights in a penalty phase should be invalid, her own behavior was sufficiently irrational that the trial court erred in not ordering a competency evaluation, the state failed to prove cold calculated and premeditated, trial court failed to weigh Wuornos’ mitigating factors. The Florida Supreme Court subsequently affirmed her conviction and sentence. The United States Supreme Court denied her Petition for Writ of Certiorari on 01-04-96.
She subsequently filed a 3.850 motion on 11-25-97 that was denied on 07-27-00. Wuornos appealed that denial to the Florida Supreme Court on 08-25-00. She later filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus in the Florida Supreme Court on 02-05-01.
On 06-13-01, the Florida Supreme Court relinquished jurisdiction for 90 days to the circuit court to determine Wuornos’ competency. On 07-20-01, the court determined Wuornos competent. On 08-15-01 the Florida Supreme Court received the order from the circuit court returning both the 3.850 and habeas appeals. On 04-01-02, the Florida Supreme Court approved of the trial court’s conclusion that Wuornos is competent to proceed. The court discharged the Office of the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel-Middle Region, and dismissed her appeals without further review.
Warrants:
09-05-02- Governor Jeb Bush signed a Death Warrant.
Execution scheduled for 10-09-02
Reason for Delay in Execution of Sentence:
Aileen Wuornos has six individual convictions and death sentences and four separate appeals that are being considered at the same time. The cases appear to have been handled within an appropriate time frame; however, one 3.850 motion is presently pending. The reason for non-disposition as stated in the Quarterly report from the state circuit court, is that CCRC is attempting to coordinate the post conviction relief in all involved counties to avoid duplicative efforts.
It should be noted that Aileen Wuornos sent a letter to the Florida Supreme Court in April 2001, requesting that she be allowed to waive the representation of CCRC and waive the remainder of her appeals.
On June 13, 2001, the Florida Supreme Court cancelled the oral argument set for October 2, 01 and consolidated all of Wuornos’ postconviction proceedings and relinquished jurisdiction, for 90 days, to the Seventh Judicial Circuit in order to determine if she is competent to waive both her counsel and remaining postconviction proceedings in accordance with Durocher v. State, 623 So. 2d 482, 485 (Fla. 1993), and Castro v. State, 744 So. 2d 986 (Fla. 1999). On July 20, 2001, the court determined Wuornos competent, and returned the pending cases to the Florida Supreme Court. On 04-01-02, the Florida Supreme Court approved of the trial court’s conclusion that Wuornos is competent to proceed. The court discharged the Office of the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel-Middle Region, and dismissed her appeals without further review.
Governor Bush signed a death warrant for Wuornos on September 5, 2002, and scheduled the execution for October 9, 2002.
Institutional Adjustment:
|
BROWARD C. I. |
DISOBEYING ORDER |
05/14/1992 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
BROWARD C. I. |
ATTEMPT OR CONSPIRE |
08/16/1993 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
BROWARD C. I. |
SPOKEN THREATS |
04/13/1994 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
CENTRAL OFFICE |
SPOKEN THREATS |
07/16/1994 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
BROWARD C. I. |
VERBAL DISRESPECT |
12/15/1996 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
BROWARD C. I. |
DISOBEYING ORDER |
07/19/1997 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
BROWARD C. I. |
VERBAL DISRESPECT |
09/19/1997 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
BROWARD C. I. |
DISOBEYING ORDER |
09/19/1997 |
NO DISCIPLINE |
|
BROWARD C. I. |
VERBAL DISRESPECT |
01/01/2000 |
DISCIPLINARY CONFINEMENT |
Report date 05-15-01- WHS, Update 06-28-01- WHS, Update 11-19-01- WHS
Approved 05-15-01- WHS, Update 04-02-02- WHS.