Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

Death Penalty Charge Filed In Jessica Lunsford Slaying

Police Say Child Was Sexually Assaulted Before Her Death

POSTED: Monday, March 21, 2005

The Citrus County sheriff's office in Florida has charged John Couey with the capital murder of 9-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford.

Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said that he doesn't believe "you get two chances when you get involved with a young child."

Couey is also charged with burglary with battery, kidnapping, and sexual battery on a child under the age of 12. Officials said he would be arraigned Tuesday morning.

The body of Jessica Lunsford was found over the weekend. Police said Couey, 46, a convicted sex offender, confessed.

The Citrus County sheriff said Couey entered Jessica's house through an unlocked door, snatched the girl from her bed and later sexually assaulted her before killing her.

Dawsy said medical examiners confirmed the sexual assault. But, Dawsy said, because the suspect was in a "drug haze" during the abduction, it may never be known how long she was held before she was killed. She was last seen alive Feb. 23.

The girl's body was found near a mobile home where Couey had been staying -- about 150 yards from her house.

Couey's half-sister and two others who lived in the home are charged with obstructing police for failing to notify authorities when Couey allegedly told them he had committed a crime.

Forgiveness Hard For Jessica's Father

How can a father forgive his child's killer?

That's a question Christians ponder this Holy Week as they remember Jesus' words from the cross: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

In Florida, a grieving Mark Lunsford said he wants the killer of his 9-year-old daughter Jessica to be executed and sent to "hell."

Lunsford said anyone who acts like that does not "deserve to be amongst us." He said he'd like to confront the killer himself.

But at the Baptist church that Jessica attended, the pastor asked his congregation Sunday to both pray for the Lunsford family and forgive the suspect.

Lunsford said he and his relatives will soon begin planning Jessica's funeral.

Friends, Family Remember Jessica

Friends and relatives of Jessica held a candlelight vigil last night in a tearful tribute to the slain child.

Jessica Lunsford
Jessica Lunsford
Jessica spent much of her life in Gaston County, N.C., before moving to Florida with her father, Mark, about a year and a half ago. When she disappeared, former neighbors and friends sold barbecue plates to raise money for the family and recalled how the shy daddy's girl would refuse to talk to strangers.

On Sunday night, more than 100 supporters gathered again to honor her with a candlelight vigil outside The Boardwalk, where Mark Lunsford worked as a bartender. They remembered Jessica as a happy girl who loved to sing.

Donations can be made out to "Jessica Marie Lunsford Fund" and sent to the following address:

SunTrust Bank
Mail Code Fl Homosassa-0111
P.O.Box 156
Attn: Jamie
Brooksville, FL
34605

Hot Topics

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Find out which triggers are under your control. The answers could prevent migraines, and keep you off the sidelines. More

Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter. More

Now more than ever, job security is priority number one with most job seekers. Here are 10 jobs with great job security that employers are actually struggling to fill. More

Diabetics are now finding new ways to connect better. Get your supplies consultation and join the largest diabetes community! More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    What are your plans for the fourth of July holiday weekend?