Bill Paul Marquardt v. State of Florida

Bill Paul Marquardt appeals his convictions and death sentences for the March 2000 first-degree murders of Margarita Ruiz and Esperanza “Hope” Wells. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 3(b)(1), Fla. Const. For the reasons that follow, we affirm Marquardt’s convictions and death sentences.

We also reaffirm our commitment to the principles and procedures articulated in Muhammad v. State, 782 So.2d 343 (Fla.2001), that require a trial court to consider mitigation evidence even when the defen dant waives mitigation. However, recognizing the tension that may exist when a trial court appoints…