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Accused serial killer wants life spared
Gloria Gomez reports.
SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, Fla. - Accused serial killer Howell Trae Donaldson was present for his virtual court hearing Thursday but it’s his legal team that is gearing up for a legal battle.
"I see there are some outstanding motions that have been filed," said Tampa judge Samantha Ward.
The most pressing motion was recently filed by the defense asking the death penalty to be thrown out in the case. They argue prosecutors violated Donaldson's rights during a grand jury proceeding.
Prosecutor Scott Harmon said their rebuttal is coming.
"We will be preparing written responses," explained Harmon.
Donaldson is accused of causing terror and panic in Seminole Heights in the fall of 2017.
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Prosecutors say he gunned down four innocent people who happen to be walking alone. Benjamin Mitchell, Monica Hoffa, Anthony Naiboa, and Ronald Felton appeared to be randomly targeted.
Victims of the accused Seminole Heights serial killer
After Donaldson was arrested and indicted by a grand jury, prosecutors announced they would seek the death penalty.
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In a jailhouse visit with his parents, Donaldson said his spirit is broken but thankful to be alive.
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Howell Donaldson talks to parents from jail
FOX 13 has obtained audio and video of jailhouse conversations the accused Seminole Heights killer had with his parents. Howell ‘Trae' Donaldson talked to his Mom and Dad on the phone and then visited with them behind bars back in January.
"Glad to still be standing and you know and that’s pretty much where I'm at one day at a time," said Donaldson.
Now, his lawyers will do whatever he can to save his life.
The judge scheduled a hearing date on the matter for March 24.