Pinellas County

Mr. Kocaker was convicted of the first-degree murder of Eric Stanton, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning after being trapped in a fire in his cab in 2004. The jury voted 11-1 to recommend a death sentence and the trial court condemned him to death. This Court upheld his conviction and sentence on direct appeal. Mr. Kocaker filed a post-conviction challenge in the trial court. All claims were denied except the trial court granted him a new penalty phase pursuant to Hurst v. State. Mr. Kocaker has asked this Court for review. Additionally, Kocaker seeks review of a related petition for habeas corpus.

Appearance for Appellant/Petitioner: Chelsea R. Shirley, Asst. CCRC, Temple Terrace, 813-558-1600

Appearance for Appellee/Respondent: Christina Z. Pacheco, Asst. Attorney General, Tampa, 813-287-7910