A judge sentenced Nicholas Canfield to life in prison on Wednesday, a man convicted in the murder of a North Fort Myers 2-year-old.
After a jury found Canfield, 30, guilty of the 2020 murder and sexual abuse of a 2-year-old girl, the next step began on Tuesday in the legal process is underway: deciding whether he should be sentenced to death.
After the jury recommended life in prison, they were dismissed for lunch at 11:43 a.m. and reconvened at 1:30 p.m.
The case centers on the death of 2-year-old Jaliyah Ramos, who investigators say showed clear signs of abuse when she was found unresponsive in a bathtub. Canfield was dating the toddler's mother at the time.
Unlike the trial’s first part — where jurors determined whether Canfield was guilty — the penalty phase focused solely on punishment.
Jurors heard new evidence this week and arguments as they decide between life in prison without parole or a death sentence.
The defense argued mitigating factors, such as Canfield’s background, mental health, or other circumstances that could persuade jurors to recommend life instead of death.
For a death sentence to be imposed under Florida law, at least eight of the twelve jurors must agree.
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