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Jury could decide for third time on 39-year-old death penalty case

One of Orange County’s oldest murder cases could be heading back to a jury for the third time.

William White was convicted of killing Gracie Mae Crawford in 1978. Two juries gave him the death penalty.

White's case was back in court on Tuesday following the upheaval around Orange Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala's stance against the death penalty.

Lake and Marion County State Attorney Brad King's office is now in charge of the case after Gov. Rick Scott took away 21 murder cases from Ayala.

King’s office must now decide whether it’s worth the time and money to dig up 40-year-old witnesses and evidence.

White’s attorney, Kevin Beck, spoke to Channel 9’s Field Sutton at the courthouse Tuesday.

Beck believes there could be two outcomes: King could pursue death for a third time against his client; or the amount of time that has passed could end up saving White’s life.

WFTV is analyzing what happened in court Tuesday and we’ll have the latest on Eyewitness News at 4 p.m.