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montMrs Russo saidJudgeCowartChief Circuit Judge Speaks Out After Sentencing Bundy to DeathMIAMI (AP) Judge Edward D. Cowart, who tolerated unusual behavior by Theodore R. Bundy during his five-week murder trial, was just as tolerant after sentencing Bundy to death Tuesday.“If he didn't vigorously try to defend himself, something would be wrong,” Cowart saidThe 54-year old Chief Circuit Judge of Dade County spokeshortly after imposing a double death sentence and 198 years inprison terms on Bundy, convicted of savagely murdering two sorority sistersBundy, a former law student, often took over his own defense, questioning witnesses, arguing points with the judge and presenting detailed, hand written petitionsCowart, an amply proportioned grandfather, took it in good humor, but said after the sentencing. “He’s really not a lawyer He's never gone through all of it. ”In court. Cowart often said to Bundy. “Bless your heartand sprinkled discussions with biblical quotations and country axiomsKnown for his no-nonsense court, Cowart took charge of the trial after the state .Supreme Court disqualified another judgeAfter the sentencing. Cowart carefully sidestepped questions on evidence in the case, since he likely will have to consider defense motions for a new trialBut when asked if he considered Bundy guilty, he said “Do Ipersonally think he’s guilty? I wouldn’t have sentenced him if I hadn’t. But the jury made the finding ”Asked if he thought the death sentences would be carried out, he replied. “I certainly don’t hope you think I sat there and sentenced in futility.”He acknowledged death penalty laws could change, adding that the observation is not a breath of hope it’s not an expression of personal feeling It’s a fact of life Conditions change ’’He said imposing the sentence was difficult personally “How can you not be concerned9” he asked “You’d be inhuman if you weren’t, and God knows I’m human ”Cowart said he had no complaints about media coverage of the trial, including coverage by still and television cameras in court“What happens once it has left the courtroom should not and does not have any impact,” said Cowart, who sequestered Bun dy's jury the entire five weeks “I don’t see a direct combat between the First and Sixth Amendments. he said, referring to constitutional guarantees of a free press and a fair trial.Cowart said the trial was difficult, but not unusually so Most all trials are unusual,” he said. “None of them are simple when you've got a charge of first-degree murder In court, there was a final touching moment when Cowart bid farewell to Bundy “It’s a tragedy for the court to see such a total waste of humanity,” Cowart saidforeman Rudolph Treml set the stage for the final votefhere was just one way to go and that was it. THEODORE BUNDY HOLDS HIS HANDS TO HIS l ACE DURING HIS FINAL STATEMENT. h« was emotional at times as he addressed the court before his senter
Newspaper Details
Fort Walton Beach Playground Daily News
Fort Walton Beach, Florida, US
Wed, Aug 01, 1979
Page 9
Full Page
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AU 22 Jul 2020
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