Mesac Damas, aged 47, is now seeking a rehearing following the complete rejection of his request for post-conviction relief by Collier Circuit Judge Ramiro Manalich on July 28. Judge Manalich outlined his decision in a 28-page written order, and Damas filed his new appeal on August 14.
He committed the murder of his wife and five children 14 years ago has recently appealed after his motion to change his death sentence was denied last month.
This marks at least Damas’ third effort to challenge his conviction based on various aspects of the case, including its outcome and medical records.
An evidentiary hearing lasting three days occurred in November 2022, and in June, he requested a new trial. Damas had previously asked for the release of his medical and psychiatric records, but this request was denied on January 23.
In this instance, Damas aimed to have the convictions and sentences against him for the 2009 murders of Guerline Dieu, 32, and their five young children (Meshach, 9; Maven, 6; Marven, 5; Megan, 3; and Morgan, 19 months) invalidated.
He employed a filet knife to commit these gruesome acts, slitting their throats. These heinous crimes took place between September 17, 2009, and the following day, resulting in the deaths of Dieu Damas and their five children.
The prosecution for the first-degree murder case was led by State Attorney Amira Fox, Chief Assistant State Attorney Richard Montecalvo, and former Assistant State Attorney Dave Scuderi.
This case resulted in Damas’ 2017 conviction, where he received six death penalty sentences. Damas is currently one of three inmates from Collier County who are on death row.
