Switch to ADA Accessible Website
Orlando Criminal Lawyer
Orlando Criminal Lawyer > Media > Not Guilty Army Veteran Murder Verdict

Ocala, FL Man Acquitted Because of Flawed Investigation

This past December, Stevin Roopnarine, a man charged with murdering a U.S. war veteran, was acquitted due to errors on the part of the prosecution.

The Evidence in Stevin Roopnarine’s Case

Here are the facts of the case:

  • A full video confession was submitted as evidence, in which the accused demonstrated how he shot the victim in the back of the head and made the statement, “I shot the nigger in the back of the head 3 or 4 times”;
  • The victim’s wallet, driver’s license, and other items were found at the defendants home;
  • The defendant’s clothes, also found in the defendant’s home, had the victim’s blood all over them
  • A used condom wrapper taken from the victim’s pockets with his blood on it was found, and the condom was proven to be used by both defendants after the shooting;
    The murder weapon with the victim’s blood on it was found at the defendant’s home; and
  • The co-defendant turned State’s evidence and was willing to testify against Mr. Roopnarine.

Despite every sign pointing towards a guilty verdict, Mr. Roopnarine was found not guilty after less than three hours of deliberation. From facing life without the possibility of parole to walking away free, Stevin Roopnarine is just one of many of the prosecution’s “sure cases” that ended up being a loss.

Mr. Roopnarine’s Defense

Stevin Roopnarine faced life without the possibility of parole, but thanks to key mistakes made by the prosecution, he was able to spend the holidays at home with his family, and now has a second chance at life.

Jose Baez, Roopnarine’s aggressive criminal defense lawyer, pointed out two fatal flaws in the State’s investigation that ultimately led to Roopnarine’s acquittal:

  1. Contaminated Evidence: Baez pointed out that, in testimony given by one sheriff’s official during the trial, the individual used the same gloves to show the jury and audience several different items. In doing so, they may have contaminated the evidence. Baez accused the deputies of being guilty of “testalying,” where the physical evidence presented in court did not match the statements made by his client.
  2. Manipulated confession: Mr. Baez was able to demonstrate to the jury that despite the fact that the defendant gave a full confession, that there was a reasonable doubt that it may have been manipulated. He also pointed out how the confession did not match key pieces of evidence.

Stevin Roopnarine’s case is a prime example of how a careless and hurried investigation by the prosecution can ultimately lead to the acquittal of the defendant.

While we cannot guarantee you the same results, Jose Baez deeply understands the intricacies of the law and can use them in your favor when defending you against the criminal charges brought against you.

When deciding whom to hire to defend you in a criminal case, it is important to take a look at a lawyer’s success in the courtroom. Jose Baez – founder and key criminal defense lawyer at The Baez Law Firm – has achieved profound success in the courtroom. To work with a passionate lawyer who will pull out all the stops to defend you, call 800-588-BAEZ to schedule a free consultation now.

ocala.com

Share This Page:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
Miami

Miami Office

1200 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1410
Miami, FL 33131
Office: 305-999-5100
Fax: 305-999-5111
Orlando

Orlando Office

250 N Orange Ave, Suite 750
Orlando, FL 32801
Office: 407-705-2626
Fax: 407-705-2625

Email Us

Fields Marked * Are required

DISCLAIMER: Completing and submitting this form or otherwise merely contacting The Baez Law Firm or any individual at the firm will not establish an attorney/client relationship. Our firm cannot represent you until we determine that there would be no conflict of interest and that we are otherwise able to accept representation of your case. Please do not send any information or documents until a formal attorney/client relationship has been established through an interview with an attorney and you have been given authorization in the form of an engagement letter with The Baez Law Firm. Any information or documents sent via this form or otherwise prior to your receipt of an engagement letter will not be treated as confidences, secrets, or protected information of any nature. Submitting information regarding your potential case will not bar The Baez Law Firm from representing or continuing to represent a person or entity whose interest are adverse to your in condition with your case.

protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms
Please review the highlighted fields. They are required.
DISCLAIMER: This website contains information about The Baez Law Firm that includes testimonial statements from persons who are familiar with the firm's services. The testimonials shown are not necessarily representative of every person's experience with us. Testimonials from every client are not provided. As no two situations or persons are identical, the facts and circumstances of your situation may differ from those for which testimonials are shown. This website also includes information about some of the past results that we have obtained for our clients. Not all results are provided, and the results shown are not necessarily representative of all results obtained by us. No two situation are exactly alike; every person's situation is unique and the outcome for each person depends on the individual facts.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
MileMark Media - Practice Growth Solutions

© 2015 - 2024 Baez Law Firm. All rights reserved.
This law firm website and legal marketing are managed by MileMark Media.

Contact Form Tab Contact Form Tab