Judge denies Donald Dillbeck’s request for a stay of execution

Update on Feb. 2 at 4:40 p.m. - A judge has just denied convicted killer Donald Dillbeck’s request for a stay of execution as well as new claims raised by his defense team this week.

The judge had already cancelled plans to transport Dillbeck to Tallahassee for an evidentiary hearing tomorrow, saying it “is not necessary.”

Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey reaching that decision after hearing arguments this week and reading “the entire transcript of both the guilt/innocence and penalty phases of the trial.”

Dillbeck’s attorney, Baya Harrison, says “We respect the judge’s decision, but we will appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.”

Update on Feb. 2 at 10:55 a.m.: A judge Thursday denied convicted killer Donald Dillbeck’s request for a new hearing in advance of his execution.

Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey rejected his defense team’s request for a new evidentiary hearing and canceled a transport order that would have brought Dillbeck back to Tallahassee more than 30 years after the crime that sent him to death row.

Dillbeck’s attorneys had pushed for a hearing to consider four new claims in an effort to halt his execution, which is currently set for February 23rd.

Dillbeck was sentenced to death for the 1990 murder of Faye Vann, who was stabbed in the parking lot of the Tallahassee Mall as Dillbeck tried to steal her car.

Judge Dempsey canceled the hearing and transport order Thursday morning. She is expected to rule later today on Dillbeck’s latest claims and his request for a stay of execution.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Donald Dillbeck’s legal team is asking a judge to stay his February 23rd execution.

Dillbeck is on death row for the 1990 murder of Faye Vann. He’s accused of stabbing her outside the Tallahassee Mall and then stealing her car.

Dillbeck’s attorneys are expected in court Wednesday afternoon, and Dillbeck himself is expected to appear in a Leon County courtroom on Friday.

Defense attorney Baya Harrison has filed a series of motions since the Governor signed Dillbeck’s death warrant last week.

Wednesday’s court hearing is scheduled for 1:30 in front of Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey. WCTV does have a news crew in the courtroom and will share updates later in the day.

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