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Two Murderers Learn their Fates in Court
12/11/09 - 06:26 PM
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It’s been a hectic day for public defender Walter Smith as two of his first degree murders cases wrapped up.

“I would venture to say there are not too many lawyers in the state of Florida who have a client sentenced to life in the morning and to death in the afternoon,” said Smith.

The morning started with Wesley Williams.  He’s convicted of shooting his ex-girlfriend Danielle Baker and suffocating her three children with duct tape.

On top of the 4 consecutive life sentences are 90 additional years for child abuse charges.  As Smith stood next to his client, emotion filled the court room.

“For four years it’s been so hard for me,” said Doreen Jackson, Danielle Baker’s mom.  She and Danielle’s father, Lavon Baker, told Judge William Wright about the grief they’ve endured.  Now they say they’re grateful it’s over.

“I thank god for what happened today because I’ve been waiting for four years,” said Jackson.

Smith says there were no surprises for his client.  In an earlier ruling, the judge decided death wasn’t a possible penalty for Williams.

“May God have mercy on your soul but again I cannot understand the actions that you took that night.  They will never be explained to me,” said Judge Wright.

Three hours and 100 miles later, Smith traveled to the Bay County Courthouse where another convicted murderer learned his fate.

“I can’t describe how I feel right now… It’s indescribable,” said Melinda Hinson’s step-mother Brandi Hinson.  Melinda Hinson’s family couldn’t hold back as the man who admitted to murdering their 13-year old little girl got the ultimate penalty: death.

“I think at some point the odds are that Matthew Caylor will serve a life sentence,” said Smith.  He says that’s because he gets an automatic appeal to the Florida Supreme Court where he thinks the case could be overturned. 

To Smith, these cases aren’t over.  The work of a public defender is never done.

“Maybe I’ll take a couple weeks off and then it starts all over in January,” said Smith.

Williams will also appeal but his case will go to the First District Court of Appeals. 

Larry Basford, the prosecuting attorney, also served in both cases.