June Oral Arguments
The Florida Supreme Court will hear oral argument on June 4 and 5 in four cases, one of which is a capital case. Lorenzo v. State is Steven J. Lorenzo’s direct appeal from his death sentences.
The Florida Supreme Court will hold two days of oral arguments this month on Tuesday, June 4, and Wednesday, June 5. The Court will hear four cases, one of which is a capital case.
Lorenzo v. State
Lorenzo v. State is the first and only case on the Court’s schedule for Tuesday, June 4. The argument will begin at 9:00 a.m. This is Steven Lorenzo’s direct appeal from his resentencing.
In 2016, Lorenzo was indicted for two counts of first-degree murder. In late 2022, Lorenzo (pro se) waived his right to a jury trial in both the guilt- and penalty-phase. On December 6, 2022, Lorenzo pled guilty to both counts of first-degree murder.
The penalty phase occurred on February 6-7, 2023, and Lorenzo continued pro se. Lorenzo introduced two exhibits into evidence but waived his right to present mitigation. He also waived closing argument.
On February 20, 2023, the trial court held a Spencer hearing. Lorenzo did not present any additional mitigation evidence and stated that he wanted the death penalty. On February 24, 2023, the trial court held the final sentencing hearing, where Lorenzo again stated he wanted the death penalty.
The trial court sentenced Lorenzo to death on both counts, finding the following aggravating factors were proven beyond a reasonable doubt and assigned each the noted weight:
Lorenzo was previously convicted of another capital felony or a felony involving the use or threat of violence to the person (great weight).
The capital felony was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel (great weight).
The capital felony was committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner without any pretense of moral or legal justification (great weight).
The capital felony was committed while Lorenzo was engaged in the commission of, or the attempt to, commit sexual battery or kidnapping (great weight).
The court found that several mitigating circumstances were not proven by the greater weight of the evidence. The mitigating circumstances the court did find are as follows:
As a child, Lorenzo had a close relationship with his siblings and his mother (slight weight).
Lorenzo’s mother was an alcoholic (slight weight).
Lorenzo was a habitual drug user (moderate weight).
Lorenzo received an electrical degree and maintained employment in that field (slight weight).
Lorenzo was part of a tight-knit neighborhood and was a good neighbor (slight weight).
Lorenzo has been a productive, model inmate while incarcerated (slight weight).
A video of the sentencing hearing can be found here.
In his Initial Brief, Lorenzo, through counsel, raises two arguments:
You can view the docket and case-related documents here.
Information on how to watch oral arguments live can be found on the Court’s website here.