Today (Nov 3), Sherry FITZPATRICK (58), entered a plea of guilty to the offense of Second-Degree Murder for the July 2021 death of her husband Timothy Fitzpatrick, at their Casselberry home. FITZPATRICK was adjudicated guilty and sentenced by Circuit Judge Donna GOERNER to ten (10) years in state prison, followed by ten (10) years of supervised probation, and other conditions including mental health evaluation and treatment, along with investigative costs totaling $3,470.

In exchange for the plea, prosecutors waived the First-Degree Premeditated Murder charge FITZPATRICK was indicted on in September of 2021.

Plea negotiations began after the defense filed a notice of discovery indicating their intent to produce both witnesses and evidence that FITZPATRICK had been the victim of prior domestic violence. While the issue was arguable, there was sufficient evidence for the defense to proceed with a battered spouse presentation, potentially resulting in an acquittal if the State was unable to disprove those claims.

With the defendant accepting responsibility for her actions by entering a plea of guilty to Second-Degree Murder, this agreement represents our best effort to consider the desires of those affected by this tragedy, protect the community we serve, and deliver justice on behalf of Timothy Fitzpatrick.