Life sentence upheld for man convicted as teen
A Martin County judge upheld the sentencing Friday for the 1977 Stuart murder of Gertrude Trbovich.
Circuit Judge Lawrence Mirman resentenced James Morgan to life in prison for beating and stabbing Trbovich in her home along the St. Lucie River 41 years ago when he was 16 years old. Authorities say he had been mowing her lawn just before he struck her over the head with a crescent wrench and a vase, then stabbed her 67 times.
Morgan was found guilty in four trials — in 1977, 1981, 1985 and 1994 — and sentenced to death by electric chair three times. He was tried so often because of issues with his insanity defense.
At his last sentencing, he received life in prison after Florida laws changed to exclude juveniles from death sentences.
Morgan will automatically receive a judicial review after 25 years, in 2043.
CRIME STOPPERS
These suspects were wanted as of Thursday:
Kendra Alfred, 21, is wanted for exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult. She was born March 19, 1997, is 5-foot2, 150 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Her last known address was on on SE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach.
Rashon White, 40, is wanted for failure to appeal on felony burglary of a dwelling and grand theft from a dwelling. He is 5-foot-9, 160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes and has multiple tattoos. His last known address was on South Rue Road in West Palm Beach.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-458TIPS (8477).