Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
FLORIDA MAN EXECUTED IN BOY’S RAPE, MURDER
A man was executed Wednesday night in Florida for raping and killing a 9-year-old boy 18 years ago, a death that spurred the victim’s parents to press nationwide for stronger sexual predator confinement laws and better handling of child abduction cases. Juan Carlos Chavez was pronounced dead at 8:17 p.m. Wednesday after a lethal injection at Florida State Prison.
JURY DELIBERATIONS SET FOR THURSDAY IN MURDER CASE
Closing statements and the start of jury deliberations are scheduled for Thursday in the trial of man charged in the death of former Pensacola newspaper reporter. William Cormier III testified in his own murder trial on Wednesday, telling jurors that he did not kill Sean Dugas.
MAN GETS LIFE FOR 1985 PANHANDLE MURDER
A man already serving a life sentence for murder in Georgia has received another life sentence for a 1985 murder in the Florida Panhandle. As part of a deal with Okaloosa County prosecutors to avoid the death penalty, 51-year-old Mickey Lee Wilson pleaded guilty to murder on Tuesday.
AMUR LEOPARD CUBS ON DISPLAY AT JACKSONVILLE ZOO
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is introducing two endangered Amur leopard cubs to the public. The infant females were born Nov. 16 and went on display this week. Zoo officials say visitors can see the cubs starting at 10 a.m. daily for as long as the cubs appear comfortable on exhibit for up to half a day.
YEAR-LONG SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING BOATER
The year-long search for a missing Florida boater continues with investigators still searching for answers about the disappearance. A Coast Guard news release says investigators are seeking the public’s help in the disappearance of 49-year-old Bernardo Enrique Rubio Hernandez. He was reported missing Feb. 7 of last year after he didn’t return home from a fishing trip off New Smyrna Beach.
Source: Associated Press
