New trial sought for convicted killer

Michael Peter Fitzpatrick, who could be sentenced to death, was treated unfairly, his attorney says.

By CHASE SQUIRES

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 11, 2001

DADE CITY -- Michael Peter Fitzpatrick, convicted late last month of the murder of Laura Lynn Romines, wants a new trial.

His attorney, Bill Eble, filed a motion Monday claiming his client was treated unfairly and asking the court to either overturn the verdict and acquit Fitzpatrick or grant him a new trial.

The jury recommended the death penalty for Fitzpatrick, 38, who now awaits a judge's ruling on the sentence.

In his motion, Eble says there were several errors during the trial, from problems in jury selection to a detective who told the jury that Fitzpatrick broke off an interview and requested an attorney during questioning.

Eble said he also was denied additional time to bring in an another expert to testify about skin found under the victim's fingernails.

Fitzpatrick was convicted March 30 of raping and killing Romines, 28, along a Land O'Lakes road in August 1996.

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