Man accused in death of Metro PCS employee awaits Florida's death penalty ruling

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s death penalty debate has delayed the trial of the man accused of killing 20-year-old Shelby Farah.

Florida’s death penalty was ruled unconstitutional.

Darlene Farah, the victim’s mother, said coming to these court appearances are draining. The case is expected to go to trial in the spring.

As courts await instruction a Duval County judge said Monday that the trial against James Rhodes won’t happen before next April.

Farah was killed in 2013 while working at a Northside Metro PCS store. Darlene Farah believes if Rhodes is convicted, he should be in prison for life without the possibility of parole or opportunity to appeal.

Farah hopes a new state attorney will take office and reconsider her plea.

Rhodes is scheduled to be back in court on Oct. 24.

As courts await jury instruction from the Supreme Court for Florida’s death penalty cases, death penalty cases similar to Rhodes continue to see delays.

Cox Media Group