A murderer allegedly bared the word “killer” on his teeth and elbowed his attorney in the face as he was sent to death row.

Joseph Zieler, 61, was sentenced to death for killing an 11-year-old girl and her babysitter in 1990 on Monday (June 27) in Lee County, Florida, US, but chaotic scenes in court followed.

Zieler was captured in 2016 ending a 26-year-long cold case. He beat, raped and suffocated 11-year-old Robin Cornell and her babysitter, Lisa Story, 32 and was found guilty of the crimes in May of this year, the jury recommending death.

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At sentencing, he asked the cameras be turned off before swearing, hitting attorney Kevin Shirley in the face with his elbow and then being slammed to the ground by three bailiffs.

Shirley then told the judge he was fine, adding he’d taken harder hits before.

Speaking toFox 4 , he said: “It seemed like he didn't want our conversation to be picked up by the microphones. So he waved me down and I bent over, and he struck me.”

The killer was kept outside the room by the judge while he checked Shirley was alright.

When Zieler was finally brought back in, he appeared to have the word “killer” etched on his teeth.

Despite this, he again stated his innocence, saying: “I have nothing to do with this.

“I maintain my innocence.”

The judge opted not to overturn his decision and, several hours later, sentenced Zieler to die.

All of this was seen by Jan Cornell, the mother of Robin, who was in the courtroom that day.

If you or somebody you know has been affected by this story, contact Victim Support for free, confidential advice on 08 08 16 89 111 or visit their website, www.victimsupport.org.uk.

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