Attorneys argue over how many jurors it should take to recommend death for killer of Nassau County deputy

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – A motion hearing is underway for Patrick McDowell, who pleaded guilty to murdering Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers nearly three years ago.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Patrick McDowell, who pleaded guilty to Moyers’ murder. They are asking that Florida’s current death penalty law be applied, which requires an 8 to 4 majority to rule a death penalty sentence.

READ: State attorney response to unanimous jury recommendation motion

On the other hand, McDowell’s attorneys are pushing for a ruling that stipulates that for their client to receive a death sentence, the jury has to unanimously recommend it.

Press play above to watch the motion hearing live

The case against McDowell has progressed slowly in court largely due to questions over what jury recommendation standard should be followed.

The current law was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last April. In the document, prosecutors highlight that date as being a full month before McDowell’s attorneys filed their motion requesting the unanimous jury, among other legal reasons.

Given the emotional toll Moyers’ murder has had on the law enforcement community, McDowell’s defense team is also looking to minimize the police presence once the sentencing trial gets underway. His defense attorneys are asking the court to put a cap on the number of law enforcement officers inside the courtroom and limit what they wear and where they gather during the sentencing trial.

RELATED: Attorneys for man who pleaded guilty to killing a Nassau County deputy want to move sentencing trial to another county

The defense is also asking the judge to prevent prosecutors from making statements that draw attention to Moyers’ loved ones in the courtroom during the sentencing trial. Specifically, when it comes to evidence.

Dozens of people have been named as potential witnesses to speak on McDowell’s behalf at the sentencing trial including family members, friends, and those who knew him from his time in the Marine Corps.

MORE: Traffic stop to trauma scene: Desperate efforts to save Deputy Joshua Moyers revealed in reports | LISTEN: Recording of Nassau County Deputy Joshua Moyers when he pulled over his accused killer Patrick McDowell | WATCH: Video shows moments before Nassau County deputy is gunned down during traffic stop

The sentencing trial is currently slated to start April 5.

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