Florida won’t seek death penalty in Todt slayings

Colchester physical therapist accused of killing family in Florida

Departing Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala filed notice Monday that her office would not seek the death penalty against several accused killers, including Anthony Todt, the Colchester physical therapist accused of killing his wife and three children last year in their home in Celebration, Florida.

In a notice filed in court Monday, Ayala said that concerns about Todt’s mental health played a factor in her office deciding against seeking his execution — reversing course from an earlier announcement that prosecutors would seek the death penalty in the case.

“[A]fter due consideration of the facts and law applicable to this case, including serious concerns regarding the mental health of the defendant, it is not in the best interest of the people of the State of Florida to pursue the Death Penalty as a potential sentence,” Ayala wrote.

As was first reported by WFTV-Channel 9, Todt’s case was one of several potential death penalty cases in which Ayala filed similar notices indicating her office would not pursue death. The filings come as Ayala is set to be replaced by incoming state attorney Monique Worrell.

Ayala, who took office in 2017, decided against seeking a second term. She cited her continued opposition to the death penalty as among her reasons for departing the agency, which was a source of tension throughout her tenure.

Soon after taking office, Ayala