VIDEO: Murderer Attacks Lawyer Before Sentencing

A Shocking Display in the Courtroom: Convicted Murderer Elbows Attorney in the Face

In a Florida courtroom on Monday, a convicted murderer made headlines with his outrageous behavior. Joseph Zieler, 61, of North Fort Myers, is facing the death penalty for the heinous crimes he committed in 1990. He raped and murdered 11-year-old Robin Cornell and her babysitter Lisa Story in Cape Coral. This Monday’s hearing was Zieler’s opportunity to appeal for a new trial or a reduced sentence after a jury recommended the death penalty on Saturday.

As the courtroom filled with anticipation, Zieler motioned to his attorney, Kevin Shirley, as if he wanted to speak privately. However, what happened next shocked everyone present. With his hands still handcuffed, Zieler swiftly threw an elbow, striking his lawyer in the side of his head.

WATCH:

Convicted double-murderer Joseph Zieler elbows his attorney in the face ahead of his sentencing Monday. He was quickly tackled to the ground by bailiffs. pic.twitter.com/vkMmPXZbka

— Gage Goulding – NBC2 (@GageGoulding) June 26, 2023

Judge Branning immediately addressed Shirley, concerned about his well-being. However, Shirley, a former boxer, assured the judge that he had endured worse blows in his life.

Shirley later revealed to the local FOX affiliate, “It seemed like he didn’t want our conversation to be picked up by the microphones. So he waved me down and I bent over, and he struck me. The Bailiffs were extremely quick to respond and eliminated any future threat.”

Expressing his shock, Shirley told another local outlet, “I had no idea he was going to do something like that. Obviously, he’s been planning on that. But, as he was going down, he said he was sorry he missed.”

Despite the shocking incident, Judge Branning remained resolute. He refused to overturn Zieler’s conviction or grant him a new trial. Instead, he proceeded with the jury’s recommended death sentence.

“The court concludes that under the laws of the State of Florida, the defendant has forfeited his right to live,” Branning declared.

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