Volusia County

Mr. Matthews was convicted of the 2008 first-degree premeditated and felony murder of Kirk Zoeller, manslaughter of Donna Trujillo, and burglary while armed. The jury voted 10-2 to recommend a death sentence, and the trial court sentenced Mr. Matthews to death for Mr. Zoeller’s murder. This Court upheld the sentence and conviction on direct appeal. In the initial post conviction proceedings below, the circuit court granted Mr. Matthews relief from his death sentence and ordered a new penalty phase but denied relief on Mr. Matthews’ claims related to his conviction. In this appeal, Mr. Matthews raises multiple guilt-phase issues, including newly discovered evidence and ineffective assistance of counsel.

Appearance for Appellant: Julissa R. Fontán, Asst. CCRC, Temple Terrace, 813-558-1600
Appearance for Appellee: Lisa-Marie Lerner, Asst. Attorney General, West Palm Beach 561-837-5000