A Florida double murderer appeared with the word “killer” written on his teeth in court, where he proceeded to assault his own lawyer Monday. Joseph Zieler, 61, beckoned his lawyer, Kevin Shirley, over to speak to him after entering court in handcuffs for a pre-sentencing hearing over the murders of an 11-year-old girl and her baby-sitter.

After leaning in to speak to him, Zieler, who was eventually given the death penalty, suddenly caught Shirley in the face with a violent elbow shot, sending him spinning, courtroom video shows. As onlookers gasped, three bailiffs immediately subdued the tattooed Zieler, who was already in restraints, taking him down to the floor before removing him from the courtroom.

According to video shown by the Fort Myers News-Press, the attorney managed to somewhat keep his composure and return to his table. Shirley then assured the judge he was OK and, as a former boxer, had sustained much heavier blows than the one Zieler had dished out.
Posted by Joe