A 22-year-old purse snatcher was convicted of first-degree murder Monday for the dragging death of an elderly Holocaust survivor. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty against Luis Montanez, meaning he must be sentenced to life in prison for the October 2003 slaying of 86-year-old Gertrude "Trudi" Nadel. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 14.
Nadel was outside a Lauderdale Lakes drug store when Montanez stopped the stolen van he was driving and asked for directions. When she approached, he grabbed her purse and tried to speed away, but Nadel either didn't or couldn't let go.
Montanez dragged her for several feet before she fell, striking her head on the ground. She died the next day.
After his arrest, Montanez confessed to dragging Nadel and committing several other purse snatchings.
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGBL6QC2DEE.html
Nadel was outside a Lauderdale Lakes drug store when Montanez stopped the stolen van he was driving and asked for directions. When she approached, he grabbed her purse and tried to speed away, but Nadel either didn't or couldn't let go.
Montanez dragged her for several feet before she fell, striking her head on the ground. She died the next day.
After his arrest, Montanez confessed to dragging Nadel and committing several other purse snatchings.
http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGBL6QC2DEE.html
