Otto Lenke convicted of first-degree murder in 2021 Fort Pierce shop killing
A jury found former police officer and firefighter Otto Lenke guilty of first-degree murder and arson in the 2021 killing of Richard Benson. Death penalty sentencing begins May 18.
Jury convicts ex-cop Otto Lenke of murder and arson in Fort Pierce motorcycle shop attack
A St. Lucie County jury on Friday found former police officer and firefighter Otto Lenke guilty of first-degree murder and first-degree arson in the 2021 killing of Richard Benson, the owner of Fast Frank's Custom Cycle Components in Fort Pierce, Florida, cbs12.com reports.
Deliberations began at approximately 10:08 a.m. and the verdict was returned at 12:53 p.m. Lenke showed no visible reaction as Criminal Court Clerk Alexandria Buhr read the verdicts aloud in the courtroom.
Outside the courtroom, friends of the victim embraced after the announcement. "I think it's perfect. It's what happened and they got the right guy," said Robert Kinter, a friend of the murder victim. Brenda Kinter, also a friend of the victim, added: "I'm happy. It's a terrible thing to say that you're happy that someone's going to, another person's gonna lose their life — but he did something horrific."
Surveillance footage described as key evidence
On Thursday, jurors were shown graphic surveillance video from inside the repair shop, which prosecutors described as among the most critical evidence in the case. The footage captured a man wearing a motorcycle helmet shooting Benson three times, then pouring a flammable liquid on him and setting him on fire.
During closing arguments Thursday, prosecutors told jurors the killing was designed to inflict "as much fear and pain" as possible, while identifying Lenke as the person seen in the video.
Assistant State Attorney Brandon White addressed the jury during Friday's closing arguments, stating: "The defense wants you to walk him out that door. That's not what the evidence supports and that's not what the law supports. We're asking you to use your common sense — after you've heard all the evidence you should have that abiding conviction of guilt."
Defence maintained reasonable doubt
The defence team challenged the state's case, arguing it had not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. "The state wants you to believe that they got the right guy. Not only is Otto presumed not guilty, he is in fact not guilty," defence attorney Valerie Masters said during Thursday's proceedings.
Lenke did not testify in his own defence. He had previously told detectives he was not in Fort Pierce on the day of the killing and said he did not know Benson.
Death penalty phase set for May 18
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. Jurors are scheduled to return to the courtroom on May 18 for the penalty phase, during which they will hear additional testimony and make a recommendation on whether Lenke should be sentenced to death. The final decision rests with the judge, who may accept or reject the jury's recommendation.
Both the prosecution and defence declined to comment outside the courtroom following the verdict.
Source: Google News JM — Crime