NEWS
Caylor Spencer Hearing
Josh Gauntt
The man accused of raping and killing a 13-year-old girl at a St. Andrews motel in 2008, was back in court Wednesday for the latest phase of his sentencing.
The family of Melinda Hinson spoke directly to Matthew Caylor, telling the court why he should be put to death. The jury has already recommended the death penalty.
Caylor didn't take the stand during his murder trial, but Wednesday he did. He repeatedly said he did not rape Melinda Hinson. He said he was very upset from his previous sex offender conviction from Georgia, combine that with drugs and that's why he said he snapped.
He strangled Hinson with his hands, and then used a 15-foot long telephone cord to finish it off. A year and a half later, Caylor was convicted of 1st degree murder. .
Caylor and prosecutor Larry Basford had a very heated exchange during Wednesday's hearing.
"So are you telling the court what you told your father that you hope they give you the death penalty, Larry Basford said.”No, I do not want the death penalty," Caylor said. "That's not what you told your dad was it," Basford said.
"Ok let me ask you something, if you did," Caylor said. Did you tell your dad that you hope they give you the death penalty, Basford said ."Yes I did."
Let me ask you this," Caylor said. "No further questions, Basford said. " I know you don't have anymore questions," Caylor added.
Melinda Hinson's family members also spoke out in court. They said Caylor knew exactly what he was doing the entire time and that he should pay for his crime.
Judge Costello will ultimately decide if Caylor deserves the death penalty.
She will sentence him on December 11th.
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