TAYLOR COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A Taylor County man sentenced to life in prison when he was only 17 years old is going to stay behind bars.
The Florida Supreme Court vacated the death sentence for Jessie James Livingston Jr. back in 1988, but he's still trying to get out of jail.
In 1985, Livingston was sentenced to life in prison after breaking and entering into a home, robbing a convenience store, and shooting and killing a woman. Now, 33 years later, he has the chance of becoming a free man.
According to his attorney, Livingston can apply for parole at anytime since he has already served more than 25 years behind bars. But Wednesday, it was not to be.
Livingston's brother, and nephew sat behind him as attorneys' questioned a number of individuals regarding these crimes.
On the witness stand, Dr. Randy Otto, a psychologist who works with former inmates to help them transition back into society.
Dr. Otto discussed his May evaluation of Livingston, saying that he is competent and is taking responsibility for what he did.
"He acknowledged use of the gun that he'd previously stolen. He acknowledged shooting the first victim," said Dr. Otto. "He described himself as 'panicking.' He acknowledged shooting the second victim as well."
Family members of Irene Hall, the cashier who died after being shot twice were also in the courtroom waiting for a verdict.
In the end, the judge sentenced Livingston to three concurrent life sentences with only one of them having the possibility of parole.
Again, there is still a chance that Livingston could be released at a later date, as he can apply again to have his sentence reviewed.
No word yet on when his lawyers might try again.
