A jury in Bartow started deliberating Friday on the ultimate penalty for 44‑year‑old Shaun Runyon, who was convicted of three counts of first‑degree murder and an attempted second‑degree murder for the 2021 killings at a shared Airbnb in Davenport.
Details of the attack
According to court records, Runyon attacked his coworkers with a baseball bat and a knife. He killed Kevin Lanusse and Dewlon Donnell while they slept, pursued Gregory Dolezal and left him to die, and struck a fourth resident, Albert Read, who survived the blow.
Prosecution and defense arguments
State Attorney Michael Nutter told the jury that Runyon’s memory of the event was clear and consistent, arguing that the murders were not the result of a blind rage but a conscious, deliberate choice. “The fact the defendant’s memory is so clear and accurate is inconsistent with the idea his actions were the result of an angry father acting in a blind rage,” Nutter said.
Runyon’s defense attorney, Jayde Coleman‑Stephens, asked for mercy, citing a delusional disorder and a history of drug abuse. She described Runyon as “a man worth saving” and urged jurors to consider a life‑sentence rather than death.
Background of the violence
Investigators reported that Runyon had initially claimed his coworkers were part of a drug cartel and had sexually assaulted him, but no evidence supported those allegations. Police later determined the murders stemmed from an on‑the‑job dispute after Runyon was criticized for not working quickly enough.
Jury requirements and next steps
Under Florida law, at least eight of the twelve jurors must recommend the death penalty for the judge to impose it; the judge could also reduce the sentence to life without parole. The jury did not reach a decision on Friday and will be sequestered to continue deliberations on Saturday. A final verdict date has not been set.
Community impact
The case has drawn significant attention in Bartow and the surrounding Polk County area, highlighting concerns about workplace safety and the handling of severe violent crimes in the community.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
