Another Sentencing Delay For Man Convicted In Plantation Professor's Murder
FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - One of two men convicted in the stabbing death of a Nova Southeastern University professor returned to court on Wednesday.
Two years ago a jury recommended a death sentence for Randy Tundidor Sr. for the 2010 murder of Joseph Morrissey of Plantation. Morrissey taught at NSU and was also Tundidor's landlord.
Tundidor Sr.'s son, Randy Jr., who pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder to avoid the death penalty, testified against his father. He admitted to breaking into Morrissey's home; holding Morrissey and his wife Kay at gun point; binding their hands and feet with plastic zip ties; rummaging their house for valuables; and forcing them to drive to an ATM to withdraw cash.
The jury believed the prosecutor's case that Tundidor Sr. was outside the house communicating with a walkie-talkie then came into the house.
The younger Tundidor testified his dad tried to shoot Morrissey but the gun jammed. That's when he used a hunting knife to stab him repeatedly before setting the house on fire.
Kay Morrisey was able to escape with the couple's son.
On May 8th, 2012 a jury found Tundidor Sr. guilty on ten felony charges including first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and arson. Since then numerous legal procedures have held up the judge passing sentence.
The latest move came when Tundidor Sr. sent a letter to the court request inga meeting with the judge because he had concerns. In court on Wednesday, Tundidor talked about his attorney and requested reading glasses.
A possible final hearing before sentencing has been set for July 28th.
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