Jurors in the Roderick Kelvin Watson Jr.murder trial were dismissed early for the day on Oct. 7 because of the unavailability of a defense witness.
Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt concluded the state's case on Oct. 7 after calling two final witnesses.
Here's what we know:
Who is the defense witness? Roy Bedard.
What's the witness expected to say? Bedard is an expert witness. He's expect to discuss the general science on use of force and how the mind works under stress.
A law enforcement trainer and former police officer, Bedardtestified for the defense in the 2024 Susan Lorincz trial.Lorincz was arrested in 2023 after fatally shooting her neighbor Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens, 35. Lorincz was convicted of manslaughter with a firearm.
Why was the
witness unable to be in court the morning of Oct. 7? Assistant Public Defenders Julia Williamson and Sean Gravel told the court Bedard got into town early the morning of Oct. 7 and would be available by 3:30 p.m.
The defense pointed out that, given that late hour, the trial should be delayed until Oct. 8. The expert witness testimony might take a long time. Also, it's still possible that Watson might testify in his own defense, and that could take a lot of time, as well.
The defense, after a brief break, told the court their witness could be there by 2 p.m. The defense said they prefer Bedard appear in person instead of by Zoom.
Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt said the state would have no objection to the witness appearing by Zoom. He said the witness should not be allowed to dictate the court's schedule and waste the court's and the jury's time.
How did the judge rule? Circuit Judge Barbara Kissner Kwatkosky said the testimony could be lengthy. The judge said she would excuse jurors for the day and have them return on Oct. 8.
Any other business heard in court? Yes. The defense asked for a judgment of acquittal. After hearing from both sides, the judge told the attorneys that she would give her decision on Oct. 8.
About the case: Watson is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Joseph James Juarez Coles, 32. Coles was fatally shot in the North Marion Middle School parking lot in May 2024.
Witnesses testifying for the prosecution on Oct. 6 told the court that Watson chased the victim and shot him multiple times. Coles was shot four times, including twice in the back, officials said.
The defense has said the shooting was self-defense. If convicted, Watson faces life in prison.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala murder trial pauses for a day; will resume Oct. 8
