Death Sentence For Man Convicted In Plantation Professor's Murder
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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – One of two men convicted in the stabbing death of a Nova Southeastern University professor was sentenced to death in a Fort Lauderdale courtroom Friday morning.
More than 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.
In handing down the sentence, Broward Circuit Judge Cynthia Imperato said the murder of Morrissey was cruel and cold blooded.
Morrissey's wife Linday "Kay" said she's still angry but does feel somewhat at peace justice has finally been served.
"I feel like I can finally say to my husband 'rest in peace' because this was a long journey," said Morrissey.
Morrisey and her now 10-year old son were in the courtroom when the sentence was announced. She said her son wanted to be there.
"That's what Patrick actually said 'Mommy he's going to be gone away, right mommy' and I said 'yeah, you will no have to see him again."
Morrisey said she was bothered by Tundidor's nonchalance when the sentence was read.
"He really thinks he's going to be home for Christmas. I don't, I mean, the arrogant part is what really gets me, it's like he's not even facing, he's not even apologetic. He doesn't even look at us, he so arrogant, and bothers me so much," said Morrissey.
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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.
Tundidor Jr. later recanted and said he committed the murder.
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.
Tundidor Sr.'s attorney plans to appeal. He said their best chance for a reversal is if they can get Tundidor Jr. to testify that he committed the murder.
"Clearly Randy Jr. did it and I think it's reprehensible that the state gave him a deal and that my client, Randy Sr., is going to death row to be given a lethal injection in the years to come ," said Tundidor Sr.'s defense attorney Richard Rosenbaum.
Tundidor Jr. is serving a 40-year prison sentence.
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