Rakeem Florence tried to negotiate a better deal with the State Attorney’s Office before testifying at Donnie Stallworth’s trial. Florence had cut a plea agreement with the state and testified against Patrick Gonzalez, Wayne Coldiron and at Stallworth’s first trial-which ended in a hung jury.
Donnie Stallworth, an Air Force sergean, is accused of first degree murder in the deaths of Byrd and Melanie Billings in the summer of 2009. According to Florence’s earlier testimony, Stallworth was in the bedroom when the couple was killed.
According to WEAR TV 3, Florence told prosecutors Wednesday morning that there would be no more testimony unless they could guarantee him a better deal. On the verge of yet another mistrial, prosecutors called Florence’s attorney who called Florence’s mother.