WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A South Florida man has been sentenced for a second time to life in prison for the death of his accomplice in a burglary.
News outlets report that a Palm Beach County judge resentenced 38-year-old Christopher Dean of West Palm Beach on Thursday. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life, but the Florida Supreme Court ordered a new sentencing last year.
Authorities say Dean and 23-year-old Eric Flint broke into a West Palm Beach home in 2005 and fled when the resident returned. Dean drove off, and the resident followed. When Dean tried to stop to pick up Flint, the pursuing resident ran Flint over, killing him instantly.
Dean was prosecuted under Florida's felony murder rule, which means a defendant can be charged with murder if anyone, even an accomplice, dies during the commission of a felony.