JEFFREY L. ASHTON DA DRARE BURDICK, STATE ATTORNEY cite assiStaNt STATE APTORNEY NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT. AUCHARD |. WALLSH ORANGE AND OSCEOIA COUNTY. FLORIDA CHIEFASSISTANT/EATCUTIVE DIRECTOR July 29, 2015 Contact: Angela Starke Public Information Officer 407.836.2497 Office 321.388.2031 Mobile AStarke@SA09.org State Attorney Jeffrey L, Ashton Completes O'Connell Investigation, Issues Report State Attorney Jeffrey L. Ashton released today an investigative report into the death of Michelle 0’Connell and sent a letter to Gov. Rick Scott with his findings and decision. An Executive Order tasked Mr, Ashton with investigating any newly-discovered evidence that could alter the outcome of a prior inquiry determining Ms, O'Connell’s death was a suicide, Ms. ’Connell died in September 2010 in St. Johns County. The St. Johns County Sheriffs Office led the initial investigation. Mr. Ashton appointed Investigator Patrick Schneider to thoroughly evaluate and review the previous investigations and alleged new leads. His findings confirmed that the case “does not meet the standards established for prosecution” as previously indicated by the State Attorney's Office, Fifth Judicial Circuit, in addition, the alleged new evidence did not alter the original findings. “when | received this assignment from Governor Scott, I made a strong commitment the case ‘would be investigated thoroughly,” State Attomey Ashton said. "| am confident that we have followed through on that commitment. | have carefully considered the findings of this report and conclude the evidence does not support probable cause a homicide occurred in connection with Ms. O'Connell's death.” The release of the report and letter to Gov. Scott completes the duties assigned to State Attorney Ashton and his office. To see a copy of the report and letter, visit http://saoSdocuments.net/, wai 0 Box 1673, 415 W Orange Ave Soe 400» Oran, 32802-1673, (aorjes6.2200JEFFREY L. ASHTON NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT ORANGE AND OSCEOLA COUNTY, FLORIDA cir asastnerseicuve Once | Into Daan BuRDICK | STATE ATTORNEY cane ast Sa TOMY July 29, 2015 Governor Rick Scott The Capitol 400 S, Monroe St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 RE: Investigation into the Death of Michelle O'Connell Dear Govemor Scott: Pursuant to Executive Order number 14-270 dated September 30, 2014, this office accepted the dutios of the Honorable R.J Larizza, State Attorney of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, ag to all matters involving the death of Michelle O’Connell, My assignment followed a similar assignment of the Honorable Brad King, State Attorney of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which was completed on or about the 12" day of March, 2012. 1 was informed of claims that newly discovered evidence might be in existence, which could potentially have altered the outcome of the prior inquiry. Pursuant to that authority, | assigned Investigator Patrick Schneider, with instructions to fully familiarize himself with the efforts of the Fifth Circuit's investigation. He was then instructed (o fully investigate the new evidence which was asserted as a basis for reopening the ‘matter and to fully investigate any other new evidence brought to his attention or which he might | find through his own efforts. The attached seventy page report is the end result of those efforts. In evaluating this ease 1 begin with the knowledge that while there are those who may gree with the conclusions of the Fifth Circuit's evaluation of this case, no one has asserted any colorable claim that the investigation was anything other than thorough and unbiased. While Investigator Schneider was instructed to fully familiarize himself with the prior investigation, there were no grounds to “begin from seratch”. He was, however, instructed to note any errors ‘or omissions he might find in the efforts of the Fifth Circuit, for my consideration, Having studied his very thorough examination of the prior investigative efforts, by the Fifth Circuit, and having read the memo of March 12, 2012, explaining their reasoning, 1 can find no fault in either. 1 agree with their ultimate conclusion that while some of the evidence might be suggestive of honticide most of the evidence they examined wes equally suggestive of suicide and that ultimately the facts taken as a whole are insufficient to meet the standard of probable cause to believe that Ms. O*Comell died at the hands of another, It is of course possible that newly discovered evidence might tip the scale so far in favor of the conclusion that her death was a homicide, that the standard of probable cause could be I reached, | therelore set about examining the newly discovered evidence to determine if it was of 418 NORTH ORANGE AVENUE - RO. BOX 1673 - ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32801 407-836-2400such weight. Much of the new evidence discussed in Investigator Schneider's report suff | (fom the same ambiguity as the evidence previously examined. To the unbiased eye it is subject to multiple interpretations and reasonable hypotheses. ‘There is nothing discovered which adds ‘ny significant strength to the argument that this was a homicide. Some previously undiscovered history of unusual behavior by Ms. O’Connell and suggestions of mental or emotional instability contained in past statements by family members, were found, These revelations, if anything, tip the scales in favor of the conclusions previously reached by three forensic pathologists that Ms, O'Connell's death was a suicide. Having assessed all of the evidenced adduced in the investigations of this case, I reach the inescapable conclusion that whatever suspicions remain as to the manner of death of Michelle O'Connell the evidence does not rise 10 the level of probable cause that a homicide occurred. As always it is my pleasure to serve in this capacity whenever called upon, Respfctfully, Jeffrey Ashton State Atlorney-9"" Judicial Circuit Enclosures