Mesac Damas sentencing being pushed back a month due to Hurricane Irma

It will be another month before Mesac Damas learns if he will be put to death for killing his wife and five children in their North Naples home in September 2009.

The sentencing hearing for Damas, 41, is being pushed back to Oct. 27 due to Hurricane Irma delays. The hearing initially had been scheduled for Sept. 29.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers agreed on the dates and filed a stipulation for continuance Tuesday. Collier Circuit Judge Christine Greider is expected to sign it, approving the dates, said James Ermacora, one of Damas’ two court-appointed lawyers.

More:Mesac Damas pleads guilty to killing wife, 5 kids; sentencing set for Sept. 29

Damas pleaded guilty to six counts of premeditated first-degree murder earlier this month.

“Because of the hurricane, everything is basically going to get moved back,” Ermacora said. “I don’t see why it makes any difference at all. He’s not going anywhere.”

Damas will next appear in court Oct. 23 and 24 for what is known as a Spencer Hearing.

During the hearing, both the state and defense have the opportunity to present additional evidence that could help Greider make her sentencing decision and allow both sides to rebut a presentence investigation or medical reports.

During his last hearing in early September, Damas waived his right to present mitigating evidence on his behalf. However, in a follow-up order, Greider said that even though Damas waived his right to present mitigating evidence, it does not prohibit his lawyers from doing so.

Ermacora said he and his co-counsel plan to call witnesses who can comment on Damas’ mental health.

“We’re still arguing for a life sentence,” Ermacora said.