Mesac Damas, 41, was sentenced to six death sentences by the Honorable Judge Christine Greider for the gruesome 2009 murder of his wife and five children. He killed his wife Guerline Dieu, 32, and his children: Meshach, 9, Maven, 6, Marven, 5, Megan, 3, and Morgan, 19 months, by slitting their throats.
In September 2009 law enforcement responded to the Damas home in Naples for a welfare check when Guerline’s family had not heard from her. That is when the murders were discovered.
Mesac Damas fled to Port au Prince, Haiti and was soon extradited back to the United States.
Damas was indicted by a Grand Jury on October 4, 2009 for 6 counts of First Degree Premeditated Murder. The State Attorney’s Office Death Penalty Review Committee then reviewed the case and recommended the death penalty to State Attorney Steve Russell. Mr. Russell then approved filing of the intent to seek the death penalty.
Over the years the case has met with several things that delayed resolution. Damas had various issues of competency raised, but was ultimately found to be competent. There have been four judges on the case and multiple changes of counsel for the defense. Each time this required a fresh start for the defense to go through the case.
In September of this year, Damas waived his right to a jury trial and pled guilty to all charges. Last week, there were two days of sentencing hearings prior to the judge making her sentencing ruling. The State Attorney’s Office always sought the death penalty in this case due to the heinous nature of the crimes committed.
Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Richard Montecalvo, Chief Assistant State Attorney Amira Fox, and Assistant State Attorney Dave Scuderi handled the case.
We want to thank the family of the victims for staying strong as this case progressed through the different layers of the justice system process.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
239-533-1125
ssyoen@sao20.org