Florida felon erupts in courtroom after swift conviction for kidnapping and sexual assault

In Hillsborough County Court, Joseph Killins faced a rapid jury verdict that found him guilty of attempted murder, armed kidnapping and sexual battery for an April 2023 assault on a DoorDash driver. The 41-year-old, who already had nine felony convictions, reacted with an expletive-laden tirade, forcing court staff to subdue him and clear the jury from the room. Judge Lyann Goudie ordered him to be placed in a holding cell and later announced four consecutive life terms.

During the trial, Assistant State Attorney Jessica Couvertier secured admissions about the assault, and Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez praised the courage of the three victims who testified. The incident also involved a separate robbery charge for a later attack in the same parking lot. The case underscores the severity of violent crimes against gig-economy workers in Tampa.