|
Death penalty sought in case of fatal abuse
D'Andre Bannister, who is accused of killing his stepson, could face the maximum sentence.
©Associated Press
October 17, 2002
WEST PALM BEACH -- State prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty for a Riviera Beach man charged with beating his 4-year-old stepson to death.
D'Andre Bannister, 20, showed no emotion on Tuesday when he learned of his possible fate if convicted in Tarquez Woodson's death.
Prosecutors with State Attorney Barry Krischer's office voted Thursday to pursue execution, said Michael Edmondson, Krischer's spokesman. He declined to discuss which factors prompted the prosecutors' decision.
Evelyn Ziegler, Bannister's attorney, said she was disappointed with the state's decision.
Bannister's stepson died Aug. 9 of brain damage caused two days earlier by blunt force. Emergency room personnel said Tarquez had head injuries, bruises and internal injuries that required doctors to remove part of his pancreas.
Bannister was charged with aggravated manslaughter, aggravated child abuse and two counts of kidnapping.
The kidnapping counts relate to Bannister's alleged refusal to let his wife, Pameka Robinson, 21, immediately rush Tarquez to the hospital when she discovered the boy unconscious.
Tarquez was taken from Robinson, his mother, and Bannister in April 2000 after he was brought limping and bruised to the hospital. He was returned to the couple in Sept. 2000.
Before Tarquez's death, the Department of Children and Families investigated three abuse complaints involving the boy. DCF officials have said they are reviewing the case and will not comment until the review is complete.
Back to State news
© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111
 |
