Jean Claude Meus will be back in court today in Hardee County for a 1:30 p.m. status hearing. ...more

April 24, 2009

The case of Jean Claude Meus is going back to the courtroom, almost a year after Hardee County Judge Jeff McKibben granted a new trial. ...more

March 22, 2009

The Second District Court of Appeals in Lakeland on Wednesday affirmed the decision of Hardee County Judge Jeff McKibben, who granted a new trial last May to Jean Claude Meus. ...more

March 16, 2009

It was a story that begged for an investigation. In a small Florida town, a well-known mother and her 8-year-old daughter are killed in an accident on a narrow, two-lane country road. ...more

January 22, 2009

Patricia Austin's friends affectionately call her "Lady Pitbull." "I guess that's because once I grab hold of something, I don't let go," said Austin, a lifelong Avon Park resident. "I was brought up to stand up and fight for what you believe in. ...more

September 1, 2008

A dinner to raise money for the Jean-Claude Meus Defense Fund starts at 5 p.m. today at Homer's buffet, 1000 Sebring Square. ...more

July 26, 2008

AVON PARK — Like everyone, Jean Claude Meus was fearful of prison. And like everyone, Meus thought if he stayed out of gangs, away from drugs, and didn't rob or steal, then he would never wind up in prison. But it did happen. ...more

May 3, 2008

A chance encounter after the conviction of Jean Claude Meus in 2003 led to something that the word special is too small of a word to describe it. A chance encounter lead to a group of supporters for Jean Claude that no one would have expected, the family of Nona and Lindsey Moore, the mother and daughter that perished in the accident. From the day I offered my condolences to Beth Jahna and introduced myself to her as the sister of the woman engaged to Jean Claude the flickering candle of hope was lit. It was Beth's inquiry on how Jean Claude was doing and then her shock to find out that he had been convicted and would be going to prison that showed me that this family is indeed a very special one. Phone numbers were exchanged and the support of this family began. ...more

February 3, 2008

WAUCHULA — Although it was only for a fairly uneventful hearing, Jean Claude Meus made his first appearance in three years Monday afternoon at the Hardee County Courthouse. Attorneys from both parties filed motions, which were granted by Judge Jeff McKibben, to allow the lawyer time to collect witness depositions before a tentatively scheduled evidentiary hearing. In 2003, Meus was convicted of the death of Nona Moore, 40, and her 8-year-old daughter Lindsey. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. ...more

January 30, 2008

WAUCHULA — A hearing has been set for Jean Claude Meus that could lead to a evidentiary hearing and potentially a new criminal trial. ...more

January 8, 2008