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Florida state's attorney won't seek death penalty for Todt, citing mental health concerns

The Day - 1/5/2021

Jan. 5—The State of Florida will no longer seek the death penalty against Colchester physical therapist Anthony Todt, citing concerns for Todt's mental health, according to court records.

On Monday afternoon State Attorney Aramis Ayala of the 9th Judicial District in Osceola County, Fla. filed a notice of intention not to seek the death penalty in Todt's case, according to court records. An independent death penalty review board had voted unanimously in February to seek the death penalty for Todt, who is charged with four counts of first-degree homicide and one count of animal cruelty in the deaths of his wife, three children and dog.

But in Monday's notice, Ayala said the decision not to pursue the death penalty is the result of the "consideration of the facts and law applicable to this case" and "serious concerns regarding the mental health of the defendant."

"It is not in the best interest of the State of Florida to pursue the death penalty as a potential sentence," said the notice. "Therefore, the State of Florida will no longer be seeking the death penalty as to Anthony John Todt."

Todt, a well-respected physical therapist in Colchester, was charged on Jan. 13, 2020 after his family was found dead inside a home they rented in Celebration, Fla.

Todt is charged with killing his wife, Megan, their children, Alek, 13, Tyler, 11 and Zoe, 4, and their dog Breezy. He was found to be living in the house with their dead bodies for weeks.

Todt allegedly confessed to the murders shortly after his arrest, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. He later pleaded not guilty to the murders and in a 27-page letter to his estranged father, Robert Todt, said his wife Megan was responsible for killing herself and their children with a Benadryl-laced pie.

Todt, who was also being investigated for extensive healthcare fraud at the time of his arrest, is being held in the Osceola County Jail as he awaits trial.

t.hartz@theday.com

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