Thursday, May 23, 2013 | 11:04 a.m.
Hi, (not you?) | Member Center | Sign Out
Posted: 3:46 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. —
A man who killed another man in the Disney-built town of Celebration has been found guilty of second-degree murder.
Channel 9 was in the courtroom when David Murillo burst into tears and tried to convince the jury that he was the victim, even though he admitted he used an axe and a shoelace to kill Matteo Giovenditto.
Murillo is facing 20 years to life in prison. Sentencing has been schedule for Feb. 28.
Murillo said he was afraid of Giovenditto, saying Giovenditto was trying to take advantage of him sexually.
"I've never been so angry like that in my life. Something just came up inside me," said Murillo.
As he tried to explain why he killed the man, Murillo described to the jury how Giovenditto sexually assaulted him.
"I felt something going up my leg, and I jumped up," said Murillo.
Moments later, Murillo broke down in court, sobbing.
Murillo told jurors he believes Giovenditto drugged him as he gave him drinks in his Celebration condominium.
Murillo, who is homeless, said he went there after he met Giovenditto on the street and was promised money for odd jobs around the house.
However, Murillo said he woke up to Giovenditto touching him inappropriately, but he admitted that's not the only thing that enraged him.
"I was angry because he was laughing, thinking it was the funniest thing in the world, going about his business, pouring a glass of water asking if I wanted a drink," said Murillo.
Murillo testified he hit Giovenditto with an ax at least three times, and then strangled him with a shoelace.
The state called that premeditated murder, perhaps as revenge for Giovenditto's sexual advances.
In his closing argument, the prosecutor said Murillo could have just run out of the apartment but he chose murder.
Michael Nielsen, Murillo's attorney, said he’s relieved his client avoided first-degree murder, although he is not surprised by the verdict.
"If it had happened and he had just high-tailed it out of there, that might have been different,” said Nielsen. “But the bottom line is the gentleman was still dead in the apartment and somebody was probably going to pay for that.”
© 2013 Cox Media Group. By using this website,
you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices
.
Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationForm *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationFormBlank *} {* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddressBlank *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordBlank *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirmBlank *} {* agreeToTerms *}We have sent you a confirmation email. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account.
We look forward to seeing you frequently. Visit us and sign in to update your profile, receive the latest news and keep up to date with mobile alerts.
Don't worry, it happens. We'll send you a link to create a new password.
{* #forgotPasswordForm *} {* forgotPassword_emailAddress *}We have sent you an email with a link to change your password.
We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Your existing password has not been changed.
To sign in you must verify your email address. Fill out the form below and we'll send you an email to verify.
{* #resendVerificationForm *} {* resendVerification_emailAddress *}Check your email for a link to verify your email address.

You're Almost Done!
Select a display name and password
{* #socialRegistrationForm *} {* socialRegistration_displayName *} {* socialRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Tell us about yourself
{* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* agreeToTerms *}