Bio

James Franklin Rose was born on December 19, 1945. As he matured, Rose became a painter. This skill would eventually connect him to his later life events.

Rose had relationships with various women during his lifetime. One significant relationship was with a woman named Barbara Berry. She was a mother of an eight-year-old girl, Lisa Berry. This relationship played a role in the events that followed later in his life.

On October 22, 1976, Rose was at a bowling alley where he met Barbara. That evening, Lisa accompanied Rose to the snack bar area. After that, Lisa was last seen with Rose. This night would be pivotal not just in his life but in the lives of many others.

Before his legal troubles began, Rose had some interactions in his community that may have seemed ordinary to those around him. He lived in Florida, where he was part of everyday life while his painting career developed. 

Murder Story

On October 22, 1976, James Franklin Rose was involved in the kidnapping and murder of eight-year-old Lisa Berry in Broward County, Florida. Lisa was the daughter of Rose's former girlfriend, Barbara Berry. On that evening, Rose went to a bowling alley where Barbara was playing. Lisa accompanied Rose to the snack bar. This was the last time anyone saw her that night.

Later, Rose paged Barbara, asking what time she would finish bowling. When he returned to the bowling alley, witnesses noticed a large red spot on his trousers. This spot was later confirmed to be the same blood type as Lisa. Prior to his return, around 11:45 p.m., Rose's white van was seen parked behind a nearby store.

The following day, Lisa's green sweater and pink pants were found behind the store. Her pink blouse was located in Rose's van. Her shoes were found along a road leading to a canal, and four days later, her nude body was discovered in a canal about ten miles from the bowling alley. The cause of death was determined to be severe head injuries from blunt force trauma. A hammer stained with paint was found near her body, and forensic evidence connected Rose to the crime.

Rose was indicted on November 9, 1976, on charges of kidnapping and first-degree murder. He was found guilty on May 6, 1977, and the jury recommended the death penalty. He was sentenced on May 13, 1977, receiving life for kidnapping and death for murder.

The case went through several appeals and resentencing. In 1983, Rose was resentenced to death again. He faced further appeals in subsequent years, including a resentencing in 1998. Over the years, various aspects of his trial and sentencing were challenged but upheld. The Florida Supreme Court affirmed the death sentence in 2001. Rose's case continued to undergo legal proceedings, including motions for reconsideration, which were still pending as of March 2006.