On Friday, a jury in Orlando, Florida, decided that Danielle Redlick, 48,was not guilty in the fatal stabbing of her stepdad-turned-husband, Michael Redlick.
Deliberations took place on Thursday and Danielle was acquitted of second-degree murder on Friday. On the other hand, she was found guilty of tampering with evidence.
Michael, who was 65, and Danielle, had two children together. They had been married for 15 years before Danielle fatally stabbed Michael who was a former NBA executive. The incident occurred in their residence, in Winter Park on January 11, 2019, after they had a fight.
Danielle’s lawyer had said that she stabbed her husband in the shoulder in order to protect herself.
However, prosecutors say that evidence shows that Danielle attempted to clean the horrific scene for 11 hours before calling police. When officers arrived to the location, they discovered towels and mops soaked in blood and a bucket full of pinkish water. Blood was also seen in the shower.
When Danielle had first called police, she stated that she thought her husband had a heart attack. After the medical examiner found no signs of a heart attack, Danielle said that Michael had stabbed himself, and then she stabbed him in self-defense as they fought in the kitchen.
Investigators added that Danielle had searched a dating app, MeetMindful, hours after her husband died.
Danielle’s lawyer stated that the couple had started fighting and Michael strangled and smothered Danielle. When he made her get on the ground, she got into a drawer and pulled out a kitchen knife. She then stabbed him in the shoulder and ran to hide.
There had been allegations of cheating in the relationship that caused many issues in the couple’s relationship, testimony revealed.
Danielle’s lawyer had reiterated that Danielle acted in self-defense.
