Mills v. Lawhon

MILLS, Judge.

In these consolidated appeals, Mills seeks reversal of the trial court’s denial of his motion to set aside a default judgment and of a final summary judgment on Lawhon’s creditor’s bill. We affirm in both cases.

Mills was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death for murdering Lesley James La-whon. Thereafter, Shirley Eileen Lawhon, the victim’s widow, filed a wrongful death action against Mills, who was on death row at Florida State Prison when the complaint was served. Mills filed no answer or other responsive pleading within 20 days, and default was subsequently entered. After a…