Mom Breaks Down As Man Accused Of Throwing Baby On Interstate Goes Before Judge

TAMPA, FL -- Seven deputies for security, all other inmates cleared from the courtroom, an openly grieving mother: these things were what Richard McTear faced as he entered the courtroom of Judge Gregory Holder Wednesday morning.

His hands cuffed at the waist and ankles in leg-irons, McTear stood as the judge entered the courtroom and began the arraignment process.

In what took attorneys a little more than three minutes, McTear received the services of the public defender's office and entered a plea of not guilty.

He also found out that the State's Attorney has 45 days to enter a decision whether to seek the death penalty, and had another court date set for July 1st.

As Judge Holder read the laundry list of charges, McTear stood and faced the ceiling with his eyes closed. All charges pertaining to McTear including his prior violation of probation have been transferred to Holders court.

As McTear left the courtroom he leaned back and said "I love you Jasmine," to the mother of 3-month-old Emanuel Murray, the child McTear is accused of throwing out of a car on Interstate 275.

When asked outside if she had any comment about McTear's comment, Jasmine Bedwell said "No," then fell to the sidewalk crying as her friends and family came to console her. Watch the dramatic video on the right of this story.