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Manuel Pardo Jr. is not your typical vigilante. Unlike some vigilantes that are looked at as heroes, Pardo does not fit that description. Manuel Pardo was executed at 7:47 p.m. on December 11, 2012 in Florida. So why was he sentenced to death?
Pardo’s was a former Boy Scout and Navy Veteran. Pardo later becomes a law enforcement officer in 1978 with the Florida Highway Patrol and was reported to have graduated at the top of his class. He only lasted one year. After falsifying over 100 tickets he was asked to resign instead of being fired, which he did. This allowed him to pursue another law enforcement job which he also did.
In 1981 Pardo found himself in trouble again while working with the Sweetwater Police Department. He and three other officers were charged with a series of brutality cases which the state attorney general’s office filed. These cases were eventually dismissed however.
Pardo was fired on January 21, 1985 after flying to the Bahamas to testify on in behalf of a former police officer who was on trial for drug running.
Things Go Terribly Wrong For Manuel Pardo Jr
Pardo and Roldand Garcia get arrested on May 7, 1986 on charges of murder. The both were accused of an execution style killing of a drug dealer named Alvero Cruz and Daisy Ricard who were both killed on April 3, 1986.
Shortly after they were both arrested it was announced that both men were connected to 9 murders in total dating back to January 1986, right about the same time Pardo was fired from his job.
It was reported by the press that the killings were related to “drug rip-offs”. The final kill was that of Ramon Cruz who was employing Pardo after he was fired from the police department.
Evidence Against Pardo
Photo from Miami Herald
Some of the evidence gathered against Pardo included a diary which had entries of the murders along with newspaper clippings and photographs of those killed. Memorabilia relating to the Nazi movement was found in Pardo’s home and Pardo admitted to being a fan of Adolf Hitler. He boasted how he had read over 500 books on Nazism.
The theory prosecutors had was that Pardo was ex-police officer gone bad. They believed his addiction to drugs and easy money, and killing the drug dealers to steal their drugs had gotten the better of him.
The psychologist appointed by the prosecution determined that Pardo was sane, however very evil.
Pardo’s Defense
Pardo’s personal defense (or lack their of) was that he was a one man vigilante committed to eliminating the parasites in the community. Ronald Guralnick who was his court appointed lawyer believed his client was crazy and presented an insanity defense. Supporting the lawyer’s beliefs Pardo even took the stand. Pardo showed no regret for what he had done and said he wished he could have killed more.
The court appointed psychologist testified that Pardo was insane at the time of the murders and doesn’t know right from wrong.
The attorney and Pardo’s parent asked for lienency due to his unstable mental state however Pardo himself asked for something different. Pardo wanted to be viewed as a soldier and begged to be sent to prison with a glorious ending.
From Miami Herald as verdict was given
The Jury’s Decision
The very ethnically diverse jury gave Pardo what he wanted, jail and the death sentence.
Automatic Appeal
On March 6, 1990 an appeal was made on behalf of Pardo again pressing that Pardo was insane. The defense disagreed and felt that Pardo was the type of individual who just enjoyed killing. On May 13, 1991 the Supreme Court agreed with the original decision.
While in Jail
While in jail Pardo the Miami Herald reported Pardo as the “Death Row Romeo”. He had been placing personal ads in tabloid newspapers and attracting female pen pals who apparently gave him money. The Miami Herald reported Pardo had received over $3,000 in his canteen account.
Twenty Four Years Later-The Glorious Death of Pardo Arrived
On December 11, 2012 Manuel Pardo at 56 years of age was pronounced dead at the Florida State Prison at 7:47 p.m. approximately 16 minutes after the lethal injection process began. Attorney’s tried to block the execution in the final hours arguing that there was something mentally wrong with him however the federal courts did not interfere.
Prison officials stated Pardo’s final words were, “Airborne forever. I love you, Michi baby,” which referred to his daughter.
Pardo wrote a final statement before his execution which was given to the media. It stated, “”I never harmed those 3 women or any female. I took the blame as I knew I was doomed and it made no difference to me, at this time, having 6 or 9 death sentences,” he went onto write “I don’t want this hanging over my head, especially these last few minutes of life, because my war was against men who were trafficing (sic) in narcotics and no one else!”
Parod wrote that he was glad that he was able to see the New York Giants and Yankees win championships in his life time. He stated he had a lifelong dream to see Spain win the World Cup and asked that the Spanish government continue to allow bull fighting to continue.
For his daughter he was quoted writing,” Remember Michi you are Airborne and hardcore…No tears!”
Pardo’s final meal included roasted pork, plantains, avocado, red beans, rice, tomatoes, and olive oil. Pardo also ate pumpkin pie, drank egg nog and Cuban coffee.
Was Manuel Pardo the real life Dexter Morgan?
The Huffington Post write a small article regarding the comparisons to Pardo’s life and killings with that of the Showtime serial killer Dexter’s life and killings.
They compared how both lived in Florida, were associated to the police department (Pardo a police officer and Dexter a blood splatter expert). Both were serial killer vigilantes looking for justice.
It’s an interesting article that can be seen by clicking here.
