Yesterday (Apr 29), Judge Kelly Jo McKibben issued a ruling denying Sheila Graham-Trott's Amended Motion for Post Conviction Relief pursuant to Rule 3.850, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure. Graham-Trott was convicted of First Degree Premeditated Murder for killing Kelly Brennan in 2010.

On April 22, 2019, a post conviction evidentiary hearing was held before Judge McKibben. Graham-Trott's attorney Matthew McClain, cited several instances of alleged ineffective counsel during Graham-Trott's trial held August 25, 2014 through September 16, 2014.

At the hearing McClain called witnesses including Assistant Public Defender Tamara Meister, trial defense counsel; Assistant Public Defender Mark Lanning, trial defense counsel; Chief Assistant Public Defender Michael Pirolo, trial defense counsel; Ms. Margaret Byers, Graham-Trott’s mother; and Graham-Trott.

Assistant State Attorneys Jim McMaster and Samantha Barrett argued against McClain's assertions, cross examined witnesses, and presented evidence to the Court supporting the State's position that the amended motion for a new trial should be denied.

GRAHAM-TROTT will be returned to the Florida Department of Corrections where she is serving a life sentence. Her attorneys have 30 days to file an appeal of this ruling.

Todd Brown
Public Information &
Communications
(321) 617-7310

Office of the State Attorney
18th Judicial Circuit
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson
Way Building D
Viera, Fl. 32940