JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a verdict read to the courtroom Wednesday afternoon, a jury decided a Jacksonville man will get off of death row.
Michael R. Jackson was convicted of Andrea Boyer's rape and murder for a second time Saturday. He was first convicted of the crime in 2010, then granted a new trial on appeal.
During his first trial, he was sentenced to death. But during his second trial, the jury did not recommend the death penalty.
The law has changed since his last trial; Florida now requires a jury to unanimously agree to recommend the death penalty. In Jackson's case, one or more jurors did not agree that he should qualify for capital punishment.
First Coast News talked with Amber Cochlin, Boyer’s older sister. She said she respects the jury’s decision and says it is not her place to take anybody’s life.
“I wanted an eye for an eye, but that’s not who I am now. That’s not who my sister was," said Cochlin.
Boyer’s older sister says the brutal instruments of her sister’s murder are constant reminders of her death.
“I can’t look at a fire extinguisher the same way. I can’t look at a steak knife the same way. I can’t look at a dog leash the same way. I haven’t been a vet tech since," said Cochlin.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Gonzalo Andux, noted that Jackson has shown good behavior since he’s been behind bars for about 15 years. He told jurors that life in prison would be a sufficient punishment.
“Michael does well in a structured secured environment and has help others in prison that is giving you the alternative that he’s not going to hurt anybody ever again," said Andux.
Judge Don Lester says sentencing will happen March 13th, 2023.