Man found guilty in 2005 strangulation of 13-year-old boy

Joshua Rosa reacts as Judge Fuente sentences him to life in prison without parole.  [Ken Helle, Times]

Joshua Rosa has been found guilty of murder in the 2005 strangulation of his 13-year-old neighbor Stephen Tomlinson. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Rosa addressed the court after his sentence. "I still stand by my innocence. Those who have wronged me in this situation, just pray that God has mercy upon them."

Afterward, Tomlinson's father, Ron, said Rosa's statement meant nothing to him.

"I just want him to know he took something from me that I'll never get back again. My life is destroyed and I want him to know that's what he did to me," Tomlinson said.

After hearing the verdict, Tomlinson squeezed his daughter's hand and smiled. He then broke down in tears.

Joshua Rosa's father began sobbing in court. His mother looked ahead, stunned.

Court officials later called paramedics to attend to Rosa's father.

***

Rosa, 22, is accused of strangling his Tomlinson, in Carrollwood's Logan Gate Park on Dec. 8, 2005.

The trial began last Monday. Jurors heard closing arguments Friday and deliberated for about three hours before asking for a weekend recess.

Rosa says prosecutors put the wrong man on trial. He said he was jogging, lost his keys, then stumbled upon his neighbor's body in the park.

Prosecutors, however, said Rosa did not find Stephen by coincidence. Stephen's DNA was found on a pair of bloody white gloves and fingernail clippers that Rosa had in his pocket.

No one witnessed the killing, and Rosa did not confess. He did not testify during the trial.

Times staff writer

Ron Tomlinson (center) his hugged by his daughter Cherie Tomlinson (16 / center right) as the guilty verdict for Joshua Rosa is read aloud in court. Emily Rodriguez (center left), a victims advocate with the states attorney's office, holds onto Ron Tomlinson's arm while Donald Tomlinson right in blue) reacts to the verdict.  [Ken Helle, Times]