However, Tillis’ attorneys argued that if the state truly believes his brother, Claude Tillis, committed the murder, those aggravators cannot apply “vicariously.”
Claude Tillis has not been charged with any crime. Prosecutors say it is unlikely any charges would ever be brought against him since their only witness is Russell Tillis himself.
A motion filed Monday quotes Assistant State Attorney Alan Mizrahi telling jurors:
“This is hard to say: the defendant Russell Tillis and the State are in complete agreement that Claude Tillis is guilty of First-Degree Murder. Claude Tillis is guilty of First-Degree Murder as a principal because he had a conscious intent that this act be done, and he helped his brother do it.
House of Horrors death penalty delay denied | firstcoastnews com
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Prosecutors say Russell Tillis brother may be involved in case
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Transcript of Horrors: Russell Tillis’ jailhouse confession describes murder, sexual assault
First Coast News obtained the transcript of the recording played for jurors in the Russell Tillis death penalty trial. Warning: content is extremely graphic. Author: First Coast News Staff, Anne Schindler Published: 11:26 AM EDT April 8, 2021 Updated: 11:27 AM EDT April 8, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
Warning: This story may be disturbing to some.
A detailed and graphic jailhouse recording continued this morning with jurors listening to Russell Tillis describe killing and dismembering victims.
Tillis faces the death penalty for murdering 30-year-old Joni Lynn Gunter and burying her in his Southside backyard.
Tillis doesn’t dispute the fact of the confession but claims it was all made up – a deliberate effort to get the death penalty.