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Jury deliberates in Seminole Co. killer's sentencing hearing

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County jury could soon recommend whether a convicted rapist and murderer should get the death penalty.

The jury heard closing arguments on Wednesday in the case of William Davis III who told jurors on Tuesday that he wants the death penalty.

Davis kidnapped 19-year-old Fabiana Malave from her job at a car lot three years ago, and then raped and killed her.

Lawyers for both sides addressed Davis' plea to the jury to recommend a death sentence.

The defense said not to give him what he wanted, and prosecutors said it didn't matter what he wanted, it's what the law calls for, which is for Davis to be put to death.

"That's the easy way. In this particular case the death penalty would be a lesser punishment," said defense attorney Tim Caudill.

The defense said Davis' abusive childhood, his mental illness and his family's history of mental illness and substance abuse contributed to his brutality the day he kidnapped Malave and took her to his Orange County home where he raped and killed her.

"His arm is hard around her neck. She knows he's trying to kill her. She starts kicking her legs. She tries to scratch him," described prosecutor Pat Whitaker.

The jury is deliberating.

The judge will make the ruling, but gives great weight to the jury's recommendation.