Case Update
- State Attorney William Scheiner supported a motion for a new trial for Jeffrey Abramowski due to recently discovered DNA evidence that was not available to the state, defense or jury at the time of his original conviction.
- Two issues were discussed and decided at a hearing April 17 in circuit court in Viera, FL:
- The defendant’s motion to vacate his murder conviction and sentence
- Bail/tentative release for the defendant while he awaits a new trial
- Mr. Abramowski remains charged with second-degree murder. The court has not found that the new DNA evidence exonerates the defendant. The jury at the new trial would decide that.
- Other surviving evidence in the case was sufficient for a Brevard County jury to convict the defendant of second-degree murder in 2006.
- The State Attorney’s Office will prepare for trial but may extend a plea offer to the defendant and his counsel in the meantime.
- The State Attorney’s duty is to seek justice for crime victims and their survivors. It will consult with and inform the family of the murder victim, Cortney Crandall, throughout the process including on any plea offer.
Statement from State Attorney William Scheiner
“The State Attorney’s Office remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the court system in the pursuit of justice for victims, survivors, and defendants alike. While the SAO maintains that the newly discovered evidence does not exonerate Mr. Abramowski, the advancement of DNA testing and technology has resulted in the discovery of information that was not known to the state, defense or the court at the time of Mr. Abramowski’s original conviction. This discovery warrants the granting of a new trial for Mr. Abramowski. My office and team remain committed to the vigorous pursuit of justice for all.”
