Hillsborough County: Judge rules 8-4 applies to Billy Adams' case

Yesterday, relying on the Fifth DCA's decision in Victorino, the court denied Billy Adams' motion arguing that applying the 2023 capital sentencing statute violates ex post facto.

Rapper Billy Adams is awaiting trial on two charges of first-degree murder in Hillsborough County. The State seeks the death penalty on both counts pursuant to its notice filed in March.

In May, Adams waived his right to speedy trial.

In September, Adams’ attorneys filed a motion challenging the application of Florida’s 2023 capital sentencing statute to his case.

Adams argued that applying the law to his case violates ex post facto clauses, as at least one Florida court has found. (More here.)

The trial court held a hearing on the Motion in late November and held the Motion under advisement.

Yesterday, the trial court entered an Order denying the Motion. The court relied on the Fifth DCA’s decision in Victorino to conclude that applying the 2023 capital sentencing statute to Adams’ case does not violate ex post facto laws. (More on Victorino here.) The court said it “is bound by the Fifth District’s Victorino opinion.” The full Order can be downloaded here.

News Articles

• Tampa Bay Times (before ruling)

• Tampa Bay Times (addressing ruling)