A Clinton-appointed federal judge in Florida has died just days after he controversially released a Cuban plane hijacker who was awaiting deportation.
Judge John E. Steele, 77, passed away suddenly, according to a law clerk for Chief Judge Marcia Morales Howard of the Middle District of Florida — where Steele served.
A legal source in Miami also confirmed Steele’s death. The circumstances of his passing were not immediately clear.
Steele came under criticism for his July 8 ruling to release Cuban plane hijacker Miakel Guerra Morales from ICE custody.
Morales took over a Cuban commuter plane in 2003 and forced the crew to land at Key West International Airport.
He spent more than 20 years in prison for aircraft piracy.
