Duval County

Sheppard was convicted of the first-degree murders of Patrick Stafford and 16-year-old Monquell Wimberly, who were fatally shot in 2008. The jury recommended a life sentence for the murder of Mr. Stafford and voted 8-4 to recommend a death sentence for the murder of Mr. Wimberly. The trial court sentenced Sheppard to death, and this Court upheld the convictions and sentences on direct appeal. Sheppard filed post-conviction motions raising several issues. He was granted a new penalty phase pursuant to Hurst v. State. His claims were denied, and this appeal followed. Sheppard has also filed a habeas corpus petition.