Jacksonville mother takes fight against death penalty to Tallahassee

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville mother is in Tallahassee Tuesday to continue her fight against the death penalty.

Darlene Farah wants the man accused of killing her daughter, Shelby, to not die.

James Rhodes, 24, is accused of killing Shelby at a Metro PCS store where she worked in 2013. Darlene Farah will meet with lawmakers and advocate for legislation requiring a unanimous jury verdict in death penalty cases.

Darlene Farah has been asking the State Attorney's Office to let her daughter’s alleged killer serve a life term. The request has been refused.

“He's been ready to plea out two life sentences and 20 years it would be over with,” Darlene Farah said.

The State Attorney's Office sent a statement that reads in part, "The State is still seeking the death penalty in this case. Due to this being a pending matter, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

The State Attorney's Office also said the case is set for a hearing on Wednesday to address the various motions filed by the defense.

Cox Media Group