A Florida man pleaded guilty in court on Tuesday to killing his five children and wife; he told the judge he deserved death for his crimes.
Naples Daily News reports that Mesac Damas, 41, admitted in court to killing his family nearly eight years ago, yet he couldn’t explain why.
“I love my people, my wife and children. But this thing happened. I don’t have an answer for it. I wish I had an answer for it, but I don’t…When I stand before the great God, I will ask him a lot of questions. From now on, I’m just going to put my trust in him, and say sorry to the whole world.”
Collier Circuit Judge Christine Greider accepted Damas’ guilty plea, although according the Naples Daily News, he had already professed his guilt on numerous different occasions in the past. Therefore, his guilt was never in question, but it still remains to be seen whether Damas will be sentenced to death, something that he obviously hopes for. Damas also waived his right to a jury trial, while his attorneys grew frustrated with his decision.
Photos: Mesac Damas appears during pre-trial hearing Tuesday https://t.co/ZNt0iBDFnv pic.twitter.com/hyDTzBguKT
— Naples Daily News (@ndn) September 5, 2017
James Ermacora, Damas’ court-appointed lawyer, is now fighting to present information to the judge on his client’s past illnesses and injuries. His attorney said mitigating factors should be considered, including Demas’ traumatic brain injury and history of mental illness that spans back into childhood.
“It was our intention to present evidence of mitigation, not just stand up and say this is what we would have presented, It’s much more effective, we believe, even with just a judge, to have our (witnesses) there.”
Demas’ family, which included his wife, Guerline, 32, and children Michzach, nine; Marven, six; Maven, five; Megan, three; and Morgan, 11 months, were found stabbed and sliced to death in their Naples family home on September 18, 2009. Shortly after the murders, Demas fled to his home country of Haiti, but was detained and sent back to the U.S.
Mesac Damas wants to represent himself, plead guilty to killing family. Will jud… https://t.co/3WH967v4Rh pic.twitter.com/6tI41va3Kc
— Hot Story (@hotstorycrime) July 15, 2017
He initially blamed the killings on his mother-in-law, who he claimed, “pretty much made me do it – the devil, her spirit, whatever she worships.” He later said the “devils exists” when his eyes are closed.
Prosecutors, who are seeking the death penalty, didn’t comment on Damas’ request for the death. He returns to court on September 25 for a “Spencer hearing,” in which both sides will get the chance to comment on Demas’ previous medical and psychological reports.
[Feature Photo: Handout]