MIAMI – Jurors on Tuesday heard about the utter devastation brought about by the criminal actions of Anthawn Ragan, hearing not only from the mother of the man he killed at a North Miami motel, but also his brother.
Ragan was convicted of first-degree murder last month for the 2013 shooting of Luis Perez.
On Tuesday, the same jury returned for the penalty phase trial, to recommend whether Ragan should spend the rest of his life behind bars or be sent to death row.
The state is presenting evidence of aggravating factors to prove the death penalty is appropriate, that Perez’s murder was committed in a cold, calculated and premeditated way, and that Ragan was previously convicted of other violent crimes where he fired a weapon, or threatened to use one.
Jurors heard from Numa Alphonse Mitke, who was the victim of a 2013 armed robbery at the North Miami Royal Castle restaurant where she worked.
Ragan held her at gunpoint, and demanded money from the safe and customers.
“He said, ‘Bitch, where you going? I’m gonna shoot you in the head,’” said Mitke. “He said, ‘Give me everything you have -- valuable jewelry, whatever, just give it to me.’”
The defense is working to save Ragan’s life and will present mitigating factors to include his multiple diagnosed mental health conditions, the incarceration of his parents, and his age at the time of the murder, which was 19 years old.