Carlie Brucia's killer sentenced to death - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 03-15-2006, 05:57 PM

Carlie Brucia's killer sentenced to death

SARASOTA, Fla. - Relatives of Carlie Brucia and their supporters wept and hugged Wednesday after a judge ordered death for the former mechanic convicted of abducting, raping and killing the 11-year-old girl two years ago.

Joseph Smith, 39, whose abduction of the sixth-grader was captured by a car wash security camera and aired on TV around the world, stood stoically as state Circuit Judge Andrew Owens sentenced him for first-degree murder. He also was sentenced to life in prison on related kidnapping and capital sexual battery convictions.

Carlie's stepfather, Steven Kansler, closed his eyes at times and buried his face in his hands as Owens read the details of the crimes before sentencing Smith.

"I thought I'd feel a lot different," Kansler said afterward. "But it still hurts. It doesn't change anything. I just feel that Carlie has been heard. Her soul is gone now. Now it's just a matter of time to wait to watch Joe Smith die."

The same jury that convicted Smith recommended by a vote of 10-2 that he be executed. Owens was required by law to give "great weight" to that recommendation.

"The scales of life and death tilt unequivocally toward the side of death," Owens told Smith at the end of the 90-minute hearing. "May God have mercy on your soul."

During a hearing last month, Smith tearfully apologized for his crimes, telling Owens that he took large amount of heroin and cocaine trying to kill himself before he abducted Carlie on Feb. 1, 2004. Smith said he didn't remember much about that day and asked Owens to spare him for the sake of his family.

But on Wednesday, Owens discounted those arguments. He said Carlie suffered "unspeakable terror and physical suffering" at Smith's hands.
Carlie's body was found four days after her disappearance on the grounds of a Sarasota church. News of the crime shook the community, and hundreds turned out for memorial services for the little girl.

During last month's hearing, prosecutor Debra Johnes Riva dismissed arguments by defense attorney Adam Tebrugge that Smith was depressed and in the throes of a raging drug addiction for which he had previously sought help. Tebrugge also argued that Smith could lead a productive life in prison and be a positive influence on his three daughters if he was spared.

"The evidence was absolutely overwhelming that Joseph Smith committed this crime, and it was overwhelming that of all cases, it deserved the death penalty based on the heinous crimes he committed against Carlie Brucia," Riva said after the sentencing.

Owens said the aggravating factors far outweighed the mitigating factors for the death penalty. He cited the fact that Smith was convicted felon, killed Carlie during the commission of a kidnapping and rape and took steps to cover up the crime. He also noted that the crimes were especially heinous, recounting how Smith bound her hands, raped her and then strangled her with something he put around her neck from behind.

Carlie's aunt, Laurie Brucia, said the death sentence was a hollow victory.
"A lot of people want to ask me if I'm happy with the verdict," she said. "I have to say I don't think you're ever happy. Happy would be having Carlie beside me and giving her a hug and a kiss and watching her grow up and celebrating her 13th birthday (Thursday), which will never happen. That would be happiness."

During the hearing last month, Smith spoke publicly for the first time, saying, "I take responsibility of my crimes. I don't understand how this could have happened. ... Every day I think about what I did and beg God for forgiveness."

Joseph's Smith's mother, Patricia Davis, left the courtroom in tears afterward and did not comment.

Absent from the courtroom was Carlie's mother, Susan Schorpen, who is in jail in Pinellas County on drug and prostitution charges. She has said the pain of losing her daughter led her to institutionalize herself three times and take drugs to numb the pain.

Janice · 03-15-2006, 06:08 PM

Bobby F. · 03-15-2006, 06:20 PM

Say hi to the rest of the murderous scum in hell Joey.

gilligan fanatic · 03-15-2006, 06:23 PM

the ultimate sentence. We won't have to deal with him anymore

Janice · 03-15-2006, 06:25 PM

I heard on tv that Florida hands out swift justice, and that the creep can expect to kiss his murdering ass good-bye within two years.

Lee · 03-15-2006, 06:49 PM

At least he is taking responsibility for his crimes.

Sid · 03-15-2006, 09:26 PM

to Quote scarface "Say Helllo to my Little Friend."

http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=Ol...hpd/sparky.jpg

gilligan fanatic · 03-15-2006, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sid

to Quote scarface "Say Helllo to my Little Friend."

http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062857/K=Ol...t=762&ei=UTF-8

A little off topic, but I just wanted to point out that my Grandmother grew up in Moundsville, WV where that electric chair is.

KissMyGrits · 03-20-2006, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice

I heard on tv that Florida hands out swift justice, and that the creep can expect to kiss his murdering ass good-bye within two years.

That's not quite true. Having lived in Florida all my life I can remember when Ted Bundy was executed in I believe it was 1987 or 1989. He had been on death row for almost 15 years. We are alot quicker than California, but not as quick as Texas!! Thank God for the Florida justice system!! It may not be perfect, but at least the criminals pay for their crimes here!!

Lee · 03-21-2006, 12:00 AM

Originally posted by BlueMoonFan:
That's not quite true. Having lived in Florida all my life I can remember when Ted Bundy was executed in I believe it was 1987 or 1989. He had been on death row for almost 15 years. We are alot quicker than California, but not as quick as Texas!! Thank God for the Florida justice system!! It may not be perfect, but at least the criminals pay for their crimes here!!

It was 1989 and it was ten years-he was convicted of the Chi Omega murders in 1979.

Zoneboy · 04-12-2017, 03:41 PM

Link

SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Thirteen years after the chilling abduction and murder that gripped the nation, Carlie Brucia’s mother has died.

Susan Schorpen, 47, passed away Monday, according to a spokesperson for the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her cause of death was not immediately available but authorities do not suspect foul play.

Schorpen became a regular figure on TV after the abduction of 11-year-old Carlie was caught on videotape back in 2004. For days, she pleaded for the safe return of her daughter as law enforcement throughout the state looked for the man in a work uniform seen leading the girl away.

The footage led investigators to Joseph Smith, who later confessed to kidnapping, raping, and murdering Carlie, then leaving her body behind a church. He remains in prison awaiting execution.

“I’d like to know why he chose my daughter and why he had to kill her,” Schorpen said after Smith’s 2005 conviction. “I’m sure she’d let him know that she was only 11 years old. How could he go through with it?”

After her daughter’s death, Schorpen found herself in legal trouble, with multiple arrests though the years, including drug and prostitution charges.

Lee · 04-12-2017, 05:21 PM

I would not be surprised if Susan actually killed herself because she could not go on without Carlie. It is also appalling to me that Joseph Smith is still
alive after 11 years! Charles, Janice, something like this just tears the heart right out of me!

03-15-2006, 05:57 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Carlie Brucia's killer sentenced to death Carlie Brucia's killer sentenced to death SARASOTA, Fla. - Relatives of Carlie Brucia and their supporters wept and hugged Wednesday after a judge ordered death for the former mechanic convicted of abducting, raping and killing the 11-year-old girl two years ago. Joseph Smith, 39, whose abduction of the sixth-grader was captured by a car wash security camera and aired on TV around the world, stood stoically as state Circuit Judge Andrew Owens sentenced him for first-degree murder. He also was sentenced to life in prison on related kidnapping and capital sexual battery convictions. Carlie's stepfather, Steven Kansler, closed his eyes at times and buried his face in his hands as Owens read the details of the crimes before sentencing Smith. "I thought I'd feel a lot different," Kansler said afterward. "But it still hurts. It doesn't change anything. I just feel that Carlie has been heard. Her soul is gone now. Now it's just a matter of time to wait to watch Joe Smith die." The same jury that convicted Smith recommended by a vote of 10-2 that he be executed. Owens was required by law to give "great weight" to that recommendation. "The scales of life and death tilt unequivocally toward the side of death," Owens told Smith at the end of the 90-minute hearing. "May God have mercy on your soul." During a hearing last month, Smith tearfully apologized for his crimes, telling Owens that he took large amount of heroin and cocaine trying to kill himself before he abducted Carlie on Feb. 1, 2004. Smith said he didn't remember much about that day and asked Owens to spare him for the sake of his family. But on Wednesday, Owens discounted those arguments. He said Carlie suffered "unspeakable terror and physical suffering" at Smith's hands. Carlie's body was found four days after her disappearance on the grounds of a Sarasota church. News of the crime shook the community, and hundreds turned out for memorial services for the little girl. During last month's hearing, prosecutor Debra Johnes Riva dismissed arguments by defense attorney Adam Tebrugge that Smith was depressed and in the throes of a raging drug addiction for which he had previously sought help. Tebrugge also argued that Smith could lead a productive life in prison and be a positive influence on his three daughters if he was spared. "The evidence was absolutely overwhelming that Joseph Smith committed this crime, and it was overwhelming that of all cases, it deserved the death penalty based on the heinous crimes he committed against Carlie Brucia," Riva said after the sentencing. Owens said the aggravating factors far outweighed the mitigating factors for the death penalty. He cited the fact that Smith was convicted felon, killed Carlie during the commission of a kidnapping and rape and took steps to cover up the crime. He also noted that the crimes were especially heinous, recounting how Smith bound her hands, raped her and then strangled her with something he put around her neck from behind. Carlie's aunt, Laurie Brucia, said the death sentence was a hollow victory. "A lot of people want to ask me if I'm happy with the verdict," she said. "I have to say I don't think you're ever happy. Happy would be having Carlie beside me and giving her a hug and a kiss and watching her grow up and celebrating her 13th birthday (Thursday), which will never happen. That would be happiness." During the hearing last month, Smith spoke publicly for the first time, saying, "I take responsibility of my crimes. I don't understand how this could have happened. ... Every day I think about what I did and beg God for forgiveness." Joseph's Smith's mother, Patricia Davis, left the courtroom in tears afterward and did not comment. Absent from the courtroom was Carlie's mother, Susan Schorpen, who is in jail in Pinellas County on drug and prostitution charges. She has said the pain of losing her daughter led her to institutionalize herself three times and take drugs to numb the pain.

03-15-2006, 06:08 PM	#2
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Rest In Peace Carlie Brucia

03-15-2006, 06:23 PM	#4
gilligan fanatic Born to Be Bad Forum Fanatic Join Date: May 06, 2001 Location: down by the Lagoon Posts: 9,954	the ultimate sentence. We won't have to deal with him anymore
	__________________ Matt Filmaf ~ Twitter ~ Last.FM

03-15-2006, 09:26 PM	#7
Sid Little Mac and Doc Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2003 Posts: 150	to Quote scarface "Say Helllo to my Little Friend." http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=Ol...hpd/sparky.jpg
	__________________ from South Park Jimmy: Okay. Try this one on for size: Why did the... pigeon cross the road? Cartman: Okay, why? Jimmy: Because it was having sex with the chihi... Because it was having sex with the ch-hi-hi... Because it was having sex with the ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch... eh, it was having sex with the ch-ch-hiicken

04-12-2017, 03:41 PM	#11
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,375	Susan Schorpen, Mother of Carlie Brucia dies at 47 Link SARASOTA (FOX 13) - Thirteen years after the chilling abduction and murder that gripped the nation, Carlie Brucia’s mother has died. Susan Schorpen, 47, passed away Monday, according to a spokesperson for the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her cause of death was not immediately available but authorities do not suspect foul play. Schorpen became a regular figure on TV after the abduction of 11-year-old Carlie was caught on videotape back in 2004. For days, she pleaded for the safe return of her daughter as law enforcement throughout the state looked for the man in a work uniform seen leading the girl away. The footage led investigators to Joseph Smith, who later confessed to kidnapping, raping, and murdering Carlie, then leaving her body behind a church. He remains in prison awaiting execution. “I’d like to know why he chose my daughter and why he had to kill her,” Schorpen said after Smith’s 2005 conviction. “I’m sure she’d let him know that she was only 11 years old. How could he go through with it?” After her daughter’s death, Schorpen found herself in legal trouble, with multiple arrests though the years, including drug and prostitution charges.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-15-2006, 06:20 PM	#3
Bobby F. Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 30, 2004 Posts: 3,818	Say hi to the rest of the murderous scum in hell Joey.

03-15-2006, 06:25 PM	#5
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	I heard on tv that Florida hands out swift justice, and that the creep can expect to kiss his murdering ass good-bye within two years.

03-15-2006, 06:49 PM	#6
Lee veteran member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Pulaski, Tennessee Posts: 4,766	At least he is taking responsibility for his crimes.

03-21-2006, 12:00 AM	#10
Lee veteran member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Pulaski, Tennessee Posts: 4,766	Originally posted by BlueMoonFan: That's not quite true. Having lived in Florida all my life I can remember when Ted Bundy was executed in I believe it was 1987 or 1989. He had been on death row for almost 15 years. We are alot quicker than California, but not as quick as Texas!! Thank God for the Florida justice system!! It may not be perfect, but at least the criminals pay for their crimes here!! It was 1989 and it was ten years-he was convicted of the Chi Omega murders in 1979.

04-12-2017, 05:21 PM	#12
Lee veteran member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 23, 2001 Location: Pulaski, Tennessee Posts: 4,766	I would not be surprised if Susan actually killed herself because she could not go on without Carlie. It is also appalling to me that Joseph Smith is still alive after 11 years! Charles, Janice, something like this just tears the heart right out of me!