For the remainder of the week of March 2, eight people will listen to evidence presented by the state and the defense in the trial of a 16-year-old defendant charged in the shooting death of a 19-year-old man. Because of his age the Star-Banner is not publishing the defendant’s name.
Here’s what we know:
Who’s the judge? Circuit Judge Timothy McCourt.
Who are the lawyers? Assistant State Attorneys Toby Hunt and Amy Berndt for the state. For the defense: Jose Rivas and Cheyenne Whitfield of the Rivas Law Firm.
What’s the charge? First-degree murder with a firearm. If convicted, the defendant, who was 13 at the time of the shooting, could receive life in prison. The jury consists of six people and two alternates. There often are 12 jurors for a first-degree murder trial. However, since the defendant is a juvenile, he is not eligible for the death penalty.
About the case: Marion County Sheriff’s deputies said Griffin Chase Smith was shot multiple times and found in a vehicle he had been driving near the Marion Oaks Community Center, 294 Marion Oaks Lane, on Dec. 2, 2023.
Smith did not survive his wounds when taken to a local hospital for treatment.
From their investigation, detectives said Smith and the teen had exchanged text messages about purchasing a firearm. Detectives say the plan was to rob Smith instead of selling him the gun.
The victim met with the defendant and when he attempted to drive away, shots fired by the teen into the vehicle hit Smith, authorities said.
Is this the youngest defendant ever charged with murder in Marion County? No. In 2023, sheriff’s deputies arrested a then 12-year-old boy, along with two others, in connection with the murders of three juveniles.
Now 15, that defendant is serving 40 years in prison for first-degree murder with a firearm as part of a plea deal. He is the youngest person ever to be indicted as an adult on a murder charge in the 5th Judicial Circuit, which covers Marion, Lake, Citrus, Sumter and Hernando counties.
Is the defendant in or out of jail? He has been locked up since January 2025 and held without bail.
What happened in court on March 2? Wearing a dark suit, the teen was brought to court by a bailiff. His family and friends were in court and sat behind the defense table. Smith’s family members are expected in the courtroom on March 3 for opening statements.
Forty-five men and women were brought to the courtroom, with 18 called to the jury box for questioning by the judge and lawyers. Each side had 10 strikes. The goal was to pick eight jurors: six for the panel and two alternates. Of 725 people summoned, 237 were in court.
Some questions posed by the judge, Hunt and Whitfield: Did the potential jurors know anything about the case? How did they feel about a 13-year-old being charged with murder? Will the defendant’s age be a factor in their verdict? Does the defendant have to prove he didn’t commit the crime? Has anyone acted prematurely?
At least two potential jurors were uncomfortable about the defendant’s age. They were excused.
The lawyers eventually settled on eight people.
The judge told the lawyers that jurors can ask questions of witnesses who testify. However, anyone who wants to ask questions must write their questions on paper and give it to the bailiff, who will give it to the judge.
The eight jurors, all women, were sworn in by the judge and he read them their instructions.
How long will the trial last? Opening statements are set for March 3 at 8:30 a.m. The trial could end March 5 or possibly sooner.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala courts: Jurors set in case of 16-year-old charged with murder
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
