Murder defendant goes on courtroom rant, demands speedy trial

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Murder defendant Ronnie O'Neal had plenty to say to the judge Thursday, going on a courtroom rant about his case.

"I'm demanding speedy trial and a change of venue," O'Neal told the judge.

He's accused of gunning down the mother of his children, his eleven-year-old daughter, and nearly killing his nine-year-old son.

Recently, he hand wrote a letter to the judge with a list of grievances, including the media coverage of the case.

"Making me out to be a menace to society, making false allegations and accusations before there is a thorough investigation, this is an attack on my good name," said O'Neal. 

He complained about the justice system, too.

"This has been the most inflammatory, prejudicial, pre-trial publicity, mal-conducted, malicious administration I've ever seen," he added.

But despite O'Neal's demands, his public defender, Jennifer Spradley says she is not on the same page with her client.

"The item that I am willing to address right now is the demand for speedy trial that we are not adopting and we spoke to our client about a possible change of venue and due process that will be addressed in the future," said Spradley.

O'Neal also wanted to stop his nine-year-old son from talking to law enforcement and helping the prosecution's case against him, but it was never addressed in court.