Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
CHRIS TISCHEric M. Anderson is charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Clearwater man during a robbery.
CLEARWATER - Prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against a man suspected in the May 2002 shooting death of a Clearwater man.
Eric M. Anderson, 28, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the May 7, 2002, shooting death of Johnnie Michael Thomas, 35. Police said Anderson shot Thomas at his home, 1341 Parkwood St., during a robbery that night.
Clearwater police suspect Anderson was involved in a violent crime wave in the city last year that included several armed robberies and home invasions. Two men, including Thomas, were killed during the crimes. The slaying of another man in a Feb. 7, 2002, shooting remains unsolved, although police have said Anderson remains a subject of that investigation.
Prosecutor Brian Daniels said the death penalty is being sought against Anderson because he has a previous conviction for shooting someone.
In 1991, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and five years for battery on a police officer. He was 15 years old when the crimes occurred. He was released from prison May 30, 2001.
Clearwater police arrested him in connection with Thomas' death in October, five months after the shooting. A grand jury later indicted him on the charge.
If Anderson is convicted of first-degree murder, a jury then will recommend to a judge whether he should be put to death. The judge will be required to give the jury recommendation great weight before sentencing.
Anderson, whose last known address is in St. Petersburg, also faces aggravated battery and firearm charges in connection with another incident. Police have arrested him in connection with other armed robberies, but prosecutors dropped those charges because of insufficient evidence.