Derral Wayne Hodgkins v. State of Florida

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. Because we find that the record lacks competent, substantial evidence to sustain the conviction, we reverse and vacate Hodgkins’ conviction and sentence.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Derral Hodgkins was convicted of the first-degree murder of Teresa Lodge. The record reflects that in September 2006, Lodge lived alone, in a first-floor unit at the Lakeside Apartments complex of Land O’Lakes, Pasco County, Florida. At that…