Jury Finds Woman Guilty In Revenge Killing Case

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - After only two hours of deliberation, a jury decided that a woman accused of helping to murder her former boyfriend's mother and wounding his son in alleged jealous act of revenge is guilty. Rhonda Norman, 36, was charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing of 53-year-old Jane Ann Tackaberry. She was also charged with attempted first-degree murder for her alleged role in the attack on John Tackaberry's then 6-year-old son, Elijah. Both were stabbed in their home in August 2006.

"I just thought, it won't bring my mom back," Tackaberry's son, John, said. "I'm glad of the verdict, but it won't bring my mom back and it won't help Elijah."

Prosecutors rested their case after playing a recording of a 911 call made by John Tackaberry while he discovered his slain mother and injured son.

A sobbing Tackaberry rushed out of the courtroom sobbing while the tape was played. After the verdict was read, he collapsed in the courthouse lobby and was taken away in an ambulance.

Norman's defense attorney, Gregg Lerman, did not call any witnesses during the trial. He instead accused Norman's co-defendant, Wes McGee, of the murders.

Prosecutors said that Norman handed McGee the knife used in the attacks.

Lerman told the jury during closing arguments that Norman should be convicted of manslaughter and aggravated battery instead of the murder and attempted murder charges.

Prosecutors said that they will pursue the death penalty after she was convicted on the murder charges.

Fifteen armed deputies stood guard in the courtroom as the judge warned against any outbursts.

"This one's for my (expletive) mom who was beat to death and stabbed," John Tackaberry said. "And my (expletive) 6-year-old son who they cut to pieces. Justice was finally served in Palm Beach County for a change."

John Tackaberry told WPBF after court Tuesday that he has been trying his best to restrain himself during the trial.

"So, I have to be a father first, but as a man, if those sheriffs weren't there, I'd kill her myself," Tackaberry said.

After hearing the verdict, John and Stephanie Tackaberry said they hope Norman receives the death penalty.

Norman's attorneys said she didn't seem remorseful during her confession because she had an abusive childhood and suffers from mental illness. The sentencing phase begins Aug. 19 and should last three days.

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