Tuesday, September 1, 1998
Jesus Delgado vs State of Florida

No. 88,638

Place of Origin
Dade County

Facts
Delgado, a native of Cuba born in 1965, was arrested for the August 1990 murders of Tomas and Violetta Rodriguez, who had sold their dry cleaning business to Delgado's girl friend's father. The business did not do well, and witnesses said Delgado blamed the couple. The prosecution argued Delgado's motive was revenge, but the defense contended that Delgado had confronted the couple about the business, and a fight ensued requiring Delgado to defend himself. After his trial and conviction, the jury recommended and the judge imposed the death penalty. This is his direct appeal.