12/7/16 Florida Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Howard Ault v. State, SC14-1551

Mr. Ault was sentenced to death for the first-degree murders of two young sisters, ages 11 and 7, who were strangled in 1996 after the older sister was sexually battered. On direct appeal, this Court vacated the death sentences based on an error in jury selection. At the second penalty hearing, the jury voted 10-2 and 9-3 to recommend a death sentence for each murder. The trial court condemned Mr. Ault to death and this Court upheld the sentences on direct appeal. Mr. Ault filed a post-conviction challenge in trial court. It was denied and this appeal followed.