Judge denies death row inmate's mental health petition

By YOLANDA FERNANDEZ | News Channel 8

A Pasco County man on death row for killing a state wildlife officer in 1984 will not be allowed to introduce a doctor's report on his mental state at the time of the murder.

Officer Peggy Park was killed after finding Martin Grossman, who was 19 at the time, and his 17-year-old friend in a remote wooded area near Brooker Creek Preserve.

When she tried to arrest them, Grossman struck her with a flashlight at least 20 times, took her gun and shot her.

Grossman was sentenced to death in the killing the 26-year-old officer.

Today, Grossman and his attorney, Richard Kiley, appeared before Judge Joseph Bulone asking to introduce evidence on Grossman's mental state at the time of the killing.

Last week Gov. Charlie Crist signed Grossman's execution warrant, which is scheduled to be carried out Feb. 16.

A trail at John Chesnut Park in northeast Pinellas is named after Park as a tribute to her sacrifice.

Kiley said Grossman was sentenced by a jury who knew nothing about his mental state.

Bulone denied the petition.