Suncoast: Inmate faces death penalty after killing another inmate

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
 
 

Amira Fox

 

William Tulenko has been adjudicated guilty after pleading guilty as charged to First Degree Murder for the killing of inmate James Lindsey Howze, at the Charlotte Correctional Institution (CCI).

 

The victim was murdered by strangulation, on February 29, 2024, when the defendant and the victim were incarcerated at CCI.

 

There is no plea agreement in this case. The defendant pled as charged, giving up his right to a trial, but still faces the same potential penalties – either life in prison or the death penalty. The State has filed a Notice of Intent to Seek Death in this case.

 

The penalty phase trial of this case is scheduled for February 18, 2026, in Charlotte County. In this phase, evidence is presented to the court and aggravating factors and mitigating circumstances are argued. Ultimately, the judge will decide between a death sentence or life in prison without parole.

 

Chief Assistant State Attorney Richard Montecalvo and Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Shannon Doolity are prosecuting the case.