Dontae Morris guilty for murdering police officers David Curtis, Jeffrey Kocab
While there was no rejoicing or celebration at a man’s guilty verdict, there was a sense of vindication as Dontae Morris was found guilty for the death of two Tampa police officers.
After deliberating for four hours, a jury found Morris, age 28, guilty of two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shootings of Officers David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab in 2010, as well as a single count of escaping from custody.
Morris did not testify and the defense put on no witnesses and presented no evidence to defend him against charges in the officers’ killings during what started as a routine traffic stop when Morris’ girlfriend, Cortnee Brantley, was pulled over by Curtis for not having a license plate on her car.
Morris is already serving life in prison without parole for his conviction in March of the murder of Rodney Jones.
On Tuesday, the same jury is scheduled to hear additional arguments and evidence, then issue a recommendation for or against the death penalty to Hillsborough Circuit Judge William Fuente.
[…] 28, was convicted last years of first-degree murder for the slaying of police officers David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab […]