MIAMI, Fla. – The court continued jury deliberations Thursday in the high-profile resentencing trial centered on a gruesome case from the 1990s that caught Hollywood’s attention. The violent saga inspired the 2013 film “Pain and Gain,” mirroring the real-life story of the murders committed by Daniel Lugo and Noel Doorbal, two former bodybuilders involved in a murderous extortion scheme.
Jurors spent over two hours deliberating before reaching a decision on Lugo’s sentence. However, the judge has withheld releasing the verdict pending the outcome of Doorbal’s jury, which also commenced deliberations earlier that day. The final sentencing will only be announced after both juries have concluded their evaluations.
For Lugo or Doorbal to receive a death sentence recommendation, a minimum of eight out of the twelve jurors must align with this verdict. The strict requirement underscores the gravity and complexity of the legal process in capital cases.
Nearly three decades ago, Doorbal and Lugo were central figures in a criminal plot as part of the notorious Sun Gym gang. Their 1998 conviction stemmed from the kidnapping and brutal murders of Kristina Furton and Frank Griga. The victims were injected with horse tranquilizers, beaten, and ultimately dismembered, with their bodies discovered in metal barrels.
The sensational nature of the crimes and their subsequent portrayal in media and film underscored the dark side of aspirations within the bodybuilding community in Miami Lakes. The 2013 movie portrayal brought additional attention to the case, highlighting both the criminal acts and the ensuing justice process.
Both Lugo and Doorbal initially received death sentences, which were later overturned, prompting the current resentencing trials. The juries heard closing arguments Wednesday, setting the stage for the final phase of a lengthy judicial process that has spanned decades.
The subsequent outcomes of these deliberations are highly anticipated, with the possibility of a verdict on Doorbal’s fate expected soon. Deliberations are set to continue at 9 a.m. on Friday.
This resentencing not only revisits a notorious chapter in Miami’s history but also rekindles discussions on the death penalty, justice, and redemption. As the community awaits closure on these infamous crimes, the impact of this case continues to resonate through legal, local, and media circles.
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