The state and defense have rested their case in the trial of William David Brown, Jr., the man accused of stabbing Ryan Keith Skipper nearly 20 times on a rural road in Polk County. The murder trial began on Monday, Oct. 26. Authorities say Brown allegedly plotted with Joseph Bearden to beat and kill Skipper in March 2007 because the 24-year-old student was gay.
Eight men and four women sit on the jury, which began deliberating following closing statements this morning. Keep watching this space – once a verdict is reached it will be posted to Watermark Online immediately. A verdict, followed by sentencing, is expected this afternoon, after which Ryan Skipper’s family plans to make a statement outside the Bartow Courthouse.
In addition to murder, Brown is charged with robbery with a deadly weapon, arson and tampering with evidence. The defense did not call any witnesses, and Brown did not testify.
During a separate trial in February, Bearden, 24, was found guilty of second-degree murder, along with several other charges. He was sentenced to life in prison.
