State of Florida vs. Rudolph Holton

Crime scene: June 23, 1986. 1236 E Scott St. The abandoned home, near the interchange of I-275 and I-4, has been razed.

Inside: Among the empty cigarette packs, police found Kools with Holton's fingerprints. Below, the cloth used to restrain Graddy.

The state's version
Holton met Graddy to share cocaine. He tried to rape her, could not perform and strangled her. He got gas at the Star station, doused her and set her on fire.

Holton's version
He stopped at the Little Savoy bar, bought cocaine in Central Park Village and rented a room at Red’s house between 11 and midnight. He slept until noon.

Katrina Graddy aka Katrina Grant Lived in Central Park Village, worked from behind the Star.		Carrie Nelson aka Big Carrie Lived on alley behind crack house; said she saw Holton go inside the night of the murder.
Johnny Lee Newsome aka Georgia Boy Had informed for police. Said he saw Holton and Graddy walking together on Scott Street, about 11 p.m.		Flemmie Birkins Jail trusty, said Holton told him he strangled Graddy.
David Pearson aka Pine Graddy reported him for rape 10 days before she was murdered; a witness said he threatened to kill her for stealing his cocaine.		Pamela Woods Also worked as prostitute from behind the Star. Said Graddy told her Pine raped her; last saw Graddy get into a gray car to turn a trick.

[Times art]

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