Cubs clinch playoff spot, Pirates win on Stallings HR in 9th
The NL Central-leading Cubs were assured a spot in the expanded playoff field when Philadelphia was swept in a doubleheader at Washington. It was Stallings’ third home run of the season and the third game-ending hit of his career. Anthony Rizzo’s two-run homer in the eighth inning had pulled the Cubs into a tie at 2-all. The Pirates took a 2-0 lead on RBI doubles by Erik Gonzalez in the second inning and Adam Frazier in the fifth. Pirates: RHP Trevor Williams (1-8, 6.70) has lost five straight decisions since getting his lone win Aug. 13 at Cincinnati.
Judge denies Everett Miller’s attorneys motion to dismiss death penalty
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A court hearing was held Friday morning to discuss new motions presented by Everett Miller’s attorneys after he was convicted of first-degree murder. The defense presented motions to set aside the jury’s death recommendation, set a new trial and interview the jurors. During the hearing, the judge denied the defense’s request to set aside the death recommendation and receive a new trial. "The court is going to deny the record for a death recommendation and the motion for a new trial." The court also denied defense’s requests to interview jurors, after the court believed there was no evidence that jurors were being bullied during the deliberating process.
Convicted Kissimmee cop killer wants death recommendation thrown out
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A man convicted of fatally shooting two Kissimmee police officers wants the jury’s death sentence recommendation thrown out, according to court records. Everett Miller’s attorneys recently filed a 70-page motion asking that the death recommendation be set aside and that a new trial and sentencing proceeding be held. The documents also seek arrest of judgment and the opportunity to interview jurors. Miller’s sentencing is set for Dec. 20. Miller was convicted of killing Kissimmee Sgt.
Prosecution rests in trial for man accused of killing Kissimmee officers
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - The prosecution rested Monday in the trial for a man accused of fatally shooting two Kissimmee officers. Judge Greg Tynan told jurors he expects the defense will present its case on Tuesday and closing arguments will be finished by the end of the day. Lewis Peterson testified Monday morning in Miller's double murder trial. Peterson testified that when he began talking with Miller, he realized he knew Miller's family and had been raised around some of Miller's family members. Peterson testified that Miller said he believed the officers were harassing the three suspicious people the officers encountered the night of Aug. 18, 2017, in downtown Kissimmee.
State paints bloodied picture of night two Kissimmee police officers were killed
Three of them painting the bloodied crime scene through pictures, digital scans and physical evidence from the Aug.18, 2017 night Kissimmee Police Officer Matthew Baxter and Sgt. Those pictures showed two pools of blood where Laverdiere testified the two officer's bodies were found. "In this area of the vehicle, I found hair and blood stains," Laverdiere testified. She also testified Friday there were trace amounts of blood on the Jordan's sneakers Miller was wearing that night as well. The state trying to argue Miller believed himself as being a sovereign citizen who hated police officers.