Carlton Francis

Case record: Carlton Francis

Background

Carlton Francis was a neighbor of twin sisters Claire Brunt and Bernice Flegel. He lived with his mother, Eleanor Goods, his two nephews, and his elderly aunt. Mrs. Goods and the sisters were good friends, and Francis would occasionally get financial help or rides to school from the sisters.

C.J. was a friend who testified that he sold heroin to Francis on numerous occasions.

The offence

On 07/24/97, the bodies of 66-year-old twin sisters, Claire Brunt and Bernice Flegel, were found dead in their home. Both victims died from multiple stab wounds.

At the scene, investigators found several shoeprints inside the home, some of which were consistent with Carlton Francis’ shoe size. Investigators found three knives out of place, with one having blood residue.

Claire Brunt received sixteen stab wounds. Some were three to four inches deep and severed her jugular vein and punctured her lung.

Bernice Flegel received twenty-three stab wounds. Some were four to five inches deep and severed her jugular vein.

When Mrs. Brunt’s daughter came to visit at around 4:00 p.m. on the day of the murders, she noticed that the sisters’ car was missing and the front door was ajar. Upon entering the home, she found her mother’s body in the living room and her aunt’s body in the kitchen.

Upon inspection of the house, a number of small items, including jewelry, antique coins, pocket watches, and a black radio were missing, as well as the vehicle belonging to the sisters.

At approximately 3:40 p.m. on the day of the murders, Francis visited C.J., who admitted to selling heroin to Francis on numerous occasions. C.J. testified that the car Francis was driving was the same that was stolen from the sisters.

After seeing a news report of the murders, Francis asked to borrow a wheelbarrow and gasoline and proceeded to burn some clothing, a duffel bag, and what appeared to be a ladies’ pocketbook and passport.

Around 7:00 p.m., Francis returned to his neighborhood via taxi.

At a later date, Francis attempted to get C.J. to pawn some items, including coins, jewelry, and a black radio, but C.J. declined.

Upon further investigation, numerous items belonging to the sisters were found in a trash pile across from C.J.’s house.

Investigation

Francis was questioned by police along with his mother. Francis could not produce the clothing that he was wearing during the day.

His nephews testified to seeing Francis near the sisters’ home around the time of the murders, including testimony of a red stain on the shoulder of his t-shirt.

Arrest

The record provided did not describe a specific arrest.

Trial

Indictment and counts

On 08/25/97, Francis was indicted on the following counts:

• Count I - First-Degree Murder
• Count II - First-Degree Murder
• Count III - Armed Robbery
• Count IV - Armed Robbery
• Count V - Burglary With Assault or Battery
• Count VI - Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 Years or Older
• Count VII - Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 Years or Older
• Count VIII - Grand Theft Auto

Verdicts and recommendations

On 07/28/98, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts of the indictment.

On 09/09/98, the jury recommended death sentences for Counts I and II by votes of 8-4.

Sentencing

On 10/23/98, Francis was sentenced as follows:

• Count I - First-Degree Murder – Death
• Count II - First-Degree Murder – Death
• Count III - Armed Robbery – Life Imprisonment
• Count IV - Armed Robbery – Life Imprisonment
• Count V - Burglary With Assault or Battery – Life Imprisonment
• Count VI - Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 Years or Older – Judge vacated judgment
• Count VII - Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 Years or Older – Judge vacated judgment
• Count VIII - Grand Theft Auto – 5 years

Appeals

Francis filed a Direct Appeal with the Florida Supreme Court on 11/20/98, alleging sixteen errors. Most of the errors focused on evidence and testimony issues and the sufficiency of evidence and constitutionality of aggravating circumstances in the case.

On 12/20/01, the Florida Supreme Court affirmed the convictions and sentences.

Francis filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on 07/11/02. The petition was denied on 12/16/02.

Francis filed a 3.850 Motion with the Circuit Court on 12/12/03. The motion was pending.

Outcome

Francis was sentenced to death on October 23, 1998.

Other details

Florida Supreme Court opinion: SC94385; DC# W08567; DOB: 07/02/75.

Jurisdiction and case information included: Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County; Case # 97-8545.

Sentencing Judge: The Honorable Edward A. Garrison.

Trial counsel: Craig Boudreau & Allen Geesey – Assistant Public Defender.

Direct appeal attorney: Peter Grable – Private Attorney.

Collateral Appeals: Linda McDermott – CCRC-S.

Date of Offense: 07/24/97. Date of Sentence: 10/23/98.