Caraballo v. State

This case is before the Court on appeal from a judgment of conviction of first-degree murder and a sentence of death. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 3(b)(1), Fla. Const. For the reasons explained below, we affirm Caraballo’s convictions; however, we reverse his death sentence and remand this case to the trial court for a new penalty phase.

OVERVIEW

Victor Caraballo (Caraballo) was convicted of the 2002 first-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery, and sexual battery of Ana Maria Angel (Angel). Caraballo was also convicted of the attempted first-degree murder, robbery, and kidnapping of Nelson…