Death Penalty Trial Starts
In Polk County, Florida, jurors began hearing testimony Monday in the trial of Joseph Eli Bearden, 23 years old. Bearden (photo left) is accused in the slaying of Ryan Skipper, 25 years old of Winter Haven, Skipper was gay. The case has drawn national attention. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Bearden, one of two defendants charged with the 2007 murder and robbery. A woman going to the store about 1 a.m. on March 14, 2007, discovered Ryan Skipper's body lying on Morgan Road in Wahneta, south of Winter Haven. He had been stabbed to death. Prosecutors say Bearden and William David Brown Jr., 22 years old (photo right) killed Skipper and stole his 2007 Chevrolet Aveo.
Investigators have said Bearden made derogatory remarks to others about Skipper's being gay. But in opening statements, prosecutors focused on the robbery of Skipper as the motive for the killing. Wearing a black suit, Bearden conferred quietly with his two lawyers. During opening statements, defense lawyers hinted Bearden would take the witness stand. Since his arrest, Bearden has gotten numerous tattoos. A teardrop appeared to drip from his right eye. Large markings decorate the areas above and below his left eye. Others peeked out from the collar and cuffs of his gray dress shirt.
Assistant State Attorney Cass Castillo told jurors Skipper was killed on a dark, secluded stretch of rural roadway. The prosecutor noted some of Skipper's blood was left behind inside his car. But the largest amount was on the roadway, showing the most severe injuries were inflicted outside the vehicle, Castillo said. Skipper's wounds included deep cuts to both sides of his neck, and multiple stab wounds to his shoulder and back, he said. After the killing, Bearden and Brown drove away in Skipper's vehicle, Castillo said. He said fingerprints found on the car included Skipper's, Bearden's and Brown's. The car was abandoned at a boat ramp on Lake Pansy. Papers were ignited in the car, but the fire burned out with minimal damage.
An anonymous tip led detectives to a Haines City home where attempts to clean the car were made. Residents at the home refused to talk at first, but detectives noticed a key piece of evidence inside some trash, Castillo said. Skipper was studying computers at Traviss Career Center and detectives found his parking placard inside the garbage. The residents then spoke about how Bearden and Brown were cleaning the car and wanted to sell it for $1,800, Castillo said.
Bearden's lawyer, Byron Hileman, told jurors there is "considerable doubt" about whether Bearden was involved in the murder. "There is not much doubt that he was involved after the fact in helping Bill Brown clean out and try to get rid of the vehicle," Hileman said.
According to a transcript of Bearden's statement to detectives, Bearden denied participating in the killing. Bearden told detectives he was walking when Skipper drove by and offered to give him a ride. Bearden said Skipper drove him to Skipper's home so they could smoke marijuana. Bearden told investigators he was planning to use "dope," but he botched the injection and wanted to get more drugs. He said Skipper gave him a damaged laptop to sell, and they drove to a Wahneta home to get more drugs.
Bearden told detectives that Brown and Brown's cousin were present at the Wahneta home and decided to rob Skipper. They went off with Skipper and came back with bloody hands, Bearden said, according to a transcript. However, investigators concluded Brown's cousin was not involved and he is not charged in the killing.
Photos From The Ledger.com newspaper, Lakeland, Florida
The Trial is Underway and is Being Televised:
Joseph Bearden's trial started on February 11th with jury selection. Opening statements are expected on Monday, February 16. The trial will be carried live on Tru TV (formerly Court TV, now owned by CNN) and is being streamed online during the day at http://www.cnn.com/CRIME/
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