Fla. To Seek Death For 4 Accused Of Killing Couple

Prosecutors will seek the death penalty for four men accused of killing a Florida couple known for adopting children with special needs.

State Attorney Bill Eddins announced Monday that he will seek the death penalty against the accused ring leader, 35-year-old Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Jr.; 28-year-old Donnie Ray Stallworth; 41-year-old Wayne Thomas Coldiron; and 19-year-old Frederick Lee Thornton Jr.

All four have pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, along with another man and a 16-year-old boy. A woman has pleaded not guilty to accessory to first-degree murder.

Byrd and Melanie Billings were killed by masked gunmen who burst into their bedroom as they slept in July. Nine of their adopted children, all between 4 and 11 years old, were home at the time.