A Norman man was convicted last week in Cleveland County District Court of assaulting and injuring a man at a residence last year in Norman, according to court papers.
Court records show a jury found Ricardo Enrique Florez, 22, guilty Friday of assault and battery by force likely to produce death in concert and together with Robert Lewis James Jr., and other unknown males. The jury recommended Florez serve eight years in prison.
The trial opened June 22 and concluded Friday. District Judge Tom A. Lucas presided over the trial.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Austin prosecuted Florez. Norman attorney Steve Stice served as defense counsel.
Austin said the jury deliberated about six hours before returning with a verdict 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Florez was accused of kicking and punching Blake Winston Lee repeatedly in the head and body with force likely to produce death Nov. 28, 2008, according to court papers.
Court papers show Lee was transported to Norman Regional Hospital after the assault. He was a patient at the hospital's intensive care unit through Dec. 12. Lee was discharged from the hospital 10 days later.
Court papers showed Florez and Robert Lewis James Jr., 23, Oklahoma City, were charged with the crime Jan. 9, in Cleveland County District Court.
Lewis still awaits a trial date, according to court records.
Florez will be sentenced July 29.
Meghan McCormick
366-3539
mmccormick@normantranscript.com
Local news
Jury finds man guilty of assault
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