Guilty Conviction and Death Penalty Recommendation in Gruesome Florida Murder Case

A unanimous guilty conviction has been delivered in a Florida murder case that involved a heinous and depraved crime. Steven Wolf, a Florida Keys man, was found guilty of sexual battery and murder, and now faces the death penalty. The investigation revealed that Wolf used a large object to inflict blunt force trauma on the victim, causing her death. The jury's unanimous recommendation for the death penalty is now pending, awaiting a final decision from the presiding judge.

Key Takeaways:

• Steven Wolf, a 40-year-old Florida Keys man, was convicted of first-degree murder and sexual battery, and now faces the death penalty.
• The jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict and recommendation for the death penalty, citing several aggravating factors, including the heinous nature of the crime and Wolf's previous violent felony conviction.
• The investigation, led by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, uncovered car parts belonging to Wolf's van near the victim's body, and authorities located the van abandoned in a Kmart parking lot.
• The victim's family has expressed gratitude to the jury for their difficult decision, and to Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution for their work in securing the conviction.
• Assistant Statewide Prosecutors Cass and Christina Castillo prosecuted the case in collaboration with the State Attorney for the 16th Judicial Circuit.
• The final decision on whether to follow the jury's recommendation for the death penalty will be made by 16th Judicial Circuit Judge Mark H. Jones.

Statistics:

• The crime occurred in a remote area where the victim's body was found.
• Local fishermen discovered the body in a remote area.
• The investigation revealed that the victim suffered blunt force trauma to her genitals.
• Wolf has a previous violent felony conviction for manslaughter from 40 years prior.
• The jury delivered a unanimous verdict recommending the death penalty.

Sources:

• [Office of the Attorney General, The State of Florida]