John Chiv: As I predicted yesterday, convicted California and Florida criminal Luigi Messina acted out, delayed proceedings and assaulted another HCSO deputy

Jun 10, 2025

As I predicted yesterday, convicted California and Florida criminal Luigi Messina acted out, delayed proceedings and assaulted another HCSO deputy

Yesterday, a jury convicted Luigi Messina of voluntary manslaughter, mayhem and assault with a deadly weapon and special allegations found true. Today, the jury was asked to return to hear arguments on aggravating factors. Once again, jurors had to wait because just as I predicted yesterday, Messina pulled a stunt.

In the past, Messina has punched Deputy Public Defender Casey Russo and spit on Deputy Conflict Counsel Zach Curtis. Throughout this trial, Messina has attacked correctional deputies and a correctional captain who had to be sent to the hospital, refused to wear civilian clothing and insisted on wearing jail attire in front of jurors. And continues to act out. The only one Messina listens to is Ms. Andrea Sullivan. I have seen her get other defendants to sit calmly in court who otherwise act out.

The court bailiff informed Judge Steven Steward that Messina had assaulted a correctional deputy and they were employing security measures. Messina is already in admin segregation.

Judge Steward also told Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer and Ms. Sullivan that Messina is refusing to come to court and being assaultive with correctional staff.

Ms. Sullivan asked to speak with her client in a holding cell. Very rarely have I seen a judge allow that and it requires a lot of extra staff and accomodation. The court bailiff said, "we don't have the staff or security and "she can go see her client in jail."

Today, in court, Messina's father was there. No sister but an older woman. While attorneys were talking about what jurors would hear, Messina's father chose to go talk to the bailiff. This makes it hard to hear in court while I am taking notes.

Judge Steward told Ms. Sullivan and Ms. Schaffer, "I am concerned about multiple attacks on deputies. Forcing Miss Messina to come to Court maybe dangerous for staff and Miss Messina herself."