Naples, Florida — A Florida woman convicted of killing her roommate was removed from the courtroom Thursday after repeated outbursts disrupted her sentencing hearing, moments before a judge imposed a life sentence for the 2019 killing.
Amanda Cook, 41, was sentenced to life in prison after a jury previously found her guilty of second-degree murder with a dangerous weapon in the death of her roommate, 64-year-old Karen Leiti, court records show. The sentencing hearing in Collier County was briefly halted as Cook repeatedly interrupted proceedings, prompting the judge to order her removal.
Disruptive Behavior During Sentencing
Court officials say Cook began shouting as she entered the courtroom, making statements unrelated to the case while escorted by deputies. As the judge prepared to read the sentence, the disruptions escalated.
“I need a military tribunal,” Cook said before being escorted out. “This is a satan synagogue.”
Her outbursts continued even as court officers attempted to restore order. Judge Joseph Foster stopped the hearing and directed deputies to remove Cook from the courtroom so proceedings could continue.
Despite her absence, the judge proceeded with sentencing, formally imposing life imprisonment, the maximum penalty under Florida law for the conviction.
Jury Conviction Reached Last Year
Cook was convicted in December after a jury rejected her account of what happened inside the North Naples apartment the two women shared. Prosecutors argued that the killing was intentional and involved extreme violence.
The jury found Cook guilty of second-degree murder, concluding that the evidence showed a depraved act demonstrating a reckless disregard for human life.
Deadly Attack Inside Shared Apartment
According to court testimony, the killing occurred during the early morning hours of July 3, 2019, inside the women’s apartment in North Naples.
Prosecutors said Cook used a 9-pound cast-iron microphone stand to repeatedly strike Leiti during a violent confrontation. Investigators described the attack as severe and sustained.
Medical evidence later showed Leiti suffered massive blunt force trauma to the head, injuries far beyond what would be expected from an accidental fall.
Emergency Call And Crime Scene Discovery
After the assault, Cook left the apartment and went to her mother’s nearby home. She later returned to the apartment with her mother, who contacted emergency services after seeing the scene.
Collier County deputies arrived around 2:10 a.m., finding Leiti unresponsive on the living room floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cook told investigators the two women had argued and claimed Leiti fell and struck her head on audio equipment. That explanation was quickly challenged by medical findings.
Medical Examiner Disputed Accidental Fall Claim
The Collier County medical examiner ruled Leiti’s death a homicide, stating her injuries were not consistent with a simple fall.
“The injuries observed were comparable to those typically seen in high-impact vehicle crashes,” the medical examiner testified during the trial.
Investigators later recovered the suspected murder weapon from the apartment. Forensic testing found the victim’s DNA on the base of the stand, along with Cook’s fingerprints and DNA on multiple parts of the object.
Evidence Strengthened Prosecutors’ Case
Prosecutors said the physical evidence directly contradicted Cook’s account and supported the charge of murder. The jury ultimately agreed, returning a guilty verdict after reviewing testimony from law enforcement, forensic experts, and medical professionals.
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Cook was formally arrested and charged with murder evincing a depraved mind, a charge that does not require proof of premeditation but does require showing extreme recklessness.
Life Sentence Imposed Despite Courtroom Removal
Although Cook was removed from the courtroom during sentencing, Judge Foster proceeded under Florida law, finalizing the sentence in her absence.
Court officials confirmed that Cook will serve life in state prison, with no possibility of parole.
Family members of the victim did not make public statements during the hearing, but prosecutors noted that the sentence brings closure to a case that has lingered for more than five years.
Case Concludes After Years Of Proceedings
With sentencing complete, the criminal case against Cook has reached its conclusion unless appeals are filed. Court records show she remains in state custody.
The case has drawn attention locally due to the violent nature of the crime and the unusual behavior displayed during sentencing.
What are your thoughts on how courts handle disruptive defendants during sentencing hearings? Share your perspective in the comments below.
