Florida Jury Recommends Death for Dontae Morris

(Tampa, Florida)

It took jurors less than an hour Tuesday to unanimously recommend that three-time convicted murderer Dontae Morris be executed for killing Tampa police officers Jeffrey Kocab and David Curtis.

"The fact that they came back 12-0 speaks volumes about the viciousness of Dontae Morris' crimes," said Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor after the verdict was announced. "He didn't just kill two police officers. He killed others in the community. If there is an instance where the death penalty is applicable, then this is it. The jury said that loud and clear."

Morris, who also was convicted in March of killing another man, Rodney Jones, faces two more trials on charges he murdered Derek Anderson and Harold Wright.

Circuit Judge William Fuente will determine the final judgment. A hearing is scheduled for January 10.