George Carter, a 59-year-old pawn shop owner from Pensacola, Florida, was murdered on January 23, 1991 during a robbery at his shop. The shooter was identified as 18-year-old Antonio Melton, who was arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder and armed robbery. Melton’s co-defendant, Ben Lewis, testified against him and provided evidence used by the prosecution.

At trial jurors heard that Melton had a prior violent conviction for the November 1990 murder of a cab driver, Ricky Saylor; that conviction was presented as an aggravating factor at sentencing. In 1994 an Escambia County jury recommended death by a split vote of 8-4. Subsequent appeals have challenged the sentence on grounds including jury unanimity, but courts have ruled the newer unanimity requirement does not apply retroactively and Melton’s post-conviction claims have been denied.

Does anyone have information about George Carter’s life in Pensacola or recollections of the pawn shop and that day in January 1991?