FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Broward County judge called an emergency hearing for Friday after receiving an email from a juror in the Bilotti murder trial.
In the email, the juror requested a lenient sentence for Christin Bilotti.
The letter read: "I'd like to begin to say that I thought you handled the Bilotti trial with (the) utmost professionalism, and in such a fair and courteous manner. Thank you for considering our schedules and family needs."
"There is one thing about the trial that I wanted to mention. It was very difficult to arrive at this verdict. I really wanted to see both sides, and I think some of the jurors were frustrated with me. (It was myself and (another juror) that challenged the other juror's decisions.)"
"I wanted to let you know that the verdict for Christin was especially difficult for me. I felt that although she led Richard to the home, she did not mean for him to be killed. I wanted a lesser charge for her, but because her intentions were to bring Rojas to a house where he could be harmed, it did not fit the manslaughter charge."
"Please, and I know you will be fair when giving her sentence. Also, does her age (at the time), (17) a minor, play a factor in the sentencing?"
A response was sent to the juror that read: "Judge (Jeffrey) Levenson is in receipt of the email you sent regarding aspects of your jury service in the Bilotti/Pacchiana trial. He has shared the email and this response with each of the parties."
"Please know that he, along with the parties, are most grateful for your service. However, under Florida law, Judge Levenson is unable to reply to your email or otherwise discuss any aspect of this trial with you unless a legal need grounded in the law arises."
"Thank you again for your service in this case."
Christin Bilotti, 27, Mike Bilotti, 60, and John Pacchiana, 42, were convicted in the murder trial last Friday.
After the verdict was read, the judge polled the jury, and each responded "yes" to finding Mike Bilotti and Pacchiana guilty of first-degree murder and Christin Bilotti guilty of second-degree murder.
The state and the defense are expected to make their feelings heard regarding the sentencing Friday.
Throughout the case, Pacchiana claimed he was provoked and was guarding the Bilottis' Davie home that morning in July 2005. He said he believed Christin Bilotti's ex-boyfriend, Richard Rojas, would follow through with a threat to return to the house in the middle of the night.
The state maintained that Rojas was lured to the house when Bilotti's daughter, then 17, falsely told her father that Rojas had raped her.
Wayne Palazzola, 47, and Richard Corbin, 39, who worked with Pacchiana at a Miami strip club owned by Bilotti, each pleaded guilty to an accessory charge in connection with the murder. They face between 13 and 30 years in prison when sentenced.
The Bilottis and Pacchiana face life in prison when they are sentenced July 8.
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