ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The man convicted of first-degree murder in an Ocoee home invasion slaying case has had the sentencing phase of his trial delayed after medical personnel were called in to treat him.
Bessman Okafor started becoming emotional in court after his Nigerian grandfather, whom he's never met, took the stand and told the jury that Okafor's father is longer alive.
Okafor was taken from the courtroom and medical personnel came in, according to Channel 9's Kathi Belich. An ambulance was waiting outside the courtroom to take him to a hospital.
Raw: Parents of Ocoee murder victim testify
Alex Zaldivar's parents said they feel Okafor is trying to manipulate the jury and gain sympathy.
The courtroom was evacuated and supporters for both side of the case confronted one another once outside.
A deputy and others stepped in to separate two men who were taunting each other over support for murder victim Alex Zaldivar and Okafor.
Before that, a bystander having nothing to do with the case started yelling at the deputies and was handcuffed and taken back into the courthouse.
Earlier in the day, Zaldivar's father and the mother testified during the sentencing phase of the trial.
A 12-member jury found Okafor guilty Wednesday of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Zaldivar.
Okafor, 30, shot three people, killing Zaldivar, in 2012 in an attempt to stop them from testifying against him in a home invasion trial.
Zaldivar's mother, Kyoko Zaldivar, testified tearfully about her loss.
"Alex was a wonderful son that every mother hopes for. He was my treasure," she said.
She ended her testimony by saying, "I love you. I miss you so much. Happy birthday, Alex."
Rafael Zaldivar, Alex Zaldivar's father, testified as he choked back tears.
"Alex … he was my best friend, like his older brother. He was truthful. He was honest. He had an incredible heart."
The survivors testified about being shot and described Alex Zaldivar's last moments, including how he started to hyperventilate right before he was shot twice in the head.
"Dread. He was like, 'Whhh …' onto the floor. I was looking right at him," said shooting survivor Remington Campos.
"I thought I would be the only one alive. I had to get out before I bled out. So, I waited for my chance," said shooting survivor Brienna Campos.
Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty in the case.
Previous stories:
Sentencing phase begins in Orange County home invasion murder case
Prosecutors seek death penalty after suspect found guilty in home invasion murder trial
WFTV
