A man convicted of murder has been sentenced to a 40-year prison term.
Here's what we know about that case and others heard at the Marion County Judicial Center the week of July 15.
State v. Leandre Rashad Cox
Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.
Lawyers: Assistant State Attorney Adam Smith and defense attorney A. Antonio Tomas.
Charge: Second-degree murder with a firearm.
Reason for Cox's court appearance: Sentencing. A six-member jury found Cox guilty on Feb. 7.
When was he sentenced? July 15.
What was the sentence: 40 years in prison. He has credit for 839 days spent at the county jail awaiting resolution of this case.
About the case: In 2022, Cox, now 21, surrendered at the Ocala Police Department after officers said he shot and killed Jacorie McCullough.
The shooting took place occurred in the 7 Days Food store parking lot, located in the 2000 block of Northwest First Avenue. Two minors also were arrested, but murder charges against them were later dropped by the State Attorney's Office.
State v. Justin Michael McCullough
Lawyers: Adam Smith for the state and Michael C. Nappi for the defense.
Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.
Charge: Leaving the scene of a crash without rendering aid involving death and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.
Why was McCullough in court? In May, McCullough pleaded no contest to his charges. His sentencing was delayed until July 16.
What happened at the hearing? McCullough took the stand and told the judge he's receiving counseling, works full time, and doesn't want to go to prison. He accused the victim's family and friends of harassing and threatening him on social media.
Nappi argued his client suffers from anxiety and depression and panicked after the wreck. He said McCullough cooperated and was remorseful. The lawyer said neither drugs nor alcohol were involved in the crash.
Smith said after the incident, McCullough drove away. He said McCullough hid in the bushes and called his father. The attorney said it's only when troopers came to McCullough's house did he tell them what happened.
What did the judge say? The judge told McCullough he wasn't a young and inexperience driver and has an arrest record. While he understands McCullough's mental condition, McCullough left the scene, did not call police, and left the victim to die.
What was McCullough's sentence? Four years in prison. Once he's released, his driver's license will be suspended for three years. McCullough has five days of credit for time already served.
Any special conditions? Yes. He must speak at a victim impact panel, complete 120 hours of community service and take all medication prescribed to him.
About the crash: FHP officials said the 37-year-old was behind the wheel of a pickup truck that struck and killed a 27-year-old man in 2022.
State v. Tiara Lynn Kirkland
Charge: Two counts of DUI manslaughter.
Judge: Circuit Judge Tim McCourt.
What's the status of Kirkland's case? Prosecutors announced on July 16 that they are pursing the two DUI manslaughter charges against the 44-year-old woman.
Where's Kirkland now? At the county jail, where she is being held without bail.
When is Kirkland's next court date? October, for a pre-trial conference.
About the case: Ocala police officials said in June, Kirkland's vehicle hit another car while she was trying to make a turn from U.S. 441. Ethan Reeves, 22, a passenger in the car that was hit Kirkland's car, died at the scene. The driver, 28-year-old Kendrick Johnson, of Ocala, died several days later at a local hospital.
State v. Normad Eliud Rosario-Otero
Charge? Trespass in occupied structure or conveyance, burglary of a conveyance with battery, and attempted burglary of a conveyance.
Judge: Circuit Judge Robert Hodges.
About the case: Rosario-Otero was arrested by sheriff's deputies after an attempted carjacking at State Road 200 and Southwest 60th Avenue.
What has happened since? Rosario-Otero, 53, was sentenced by the judge on July 18 during a change of plea hearing.
Prison:24-year prison sentence for Thanksgiving Day 2021 stabbing
Plea: Guilty.
Sentence: Rosario-Otero was sentenced to 54 months in prison. He has 745 days of credit for time already served at the county jail.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
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