Co-defendant takes the Fifth at murder trial

Is it just me? Or was Ray Brown on drugs while testifying? Also there was a woman seated in the courtroom, who looked to be coaxing him while the attoneys and judge were at sidebar on yesterday. You can also tell these guys have prepared thier stories. They could care less about abiding by the judicial laws. Too many Browns and Homies, Bearden had only known them for a short time. Brown is the scape goat.

not to blame the victim,AT ALL,but what,if it's true was he doing picking up a stranger,especially knowing how people,where he's from,hates homosexuals.His friends talk so nicely of him,it's hard to believe he would do that.I wonder if the defendant came across the victim in another way.What a horrible crime,to loose your life,first for drug money,and the worst being your sexual preference.

i dont understand this case? what made the police arrest J. Bearden for the murder of Skipper are there any evidence that actually ties him to the crime.also where was the car found? was his fingerprints only on the outside. where is the murder weapon?

To the prosecutor: the granddaughter doesn't understand what the
word "prior" means – use the word " before" instead of "prior".

THE DEFENDANT IS NOT GUILTY PLAIN AND SIMPLE.

I hope somehow this defendant can get another trial based on incompetent lawyers. I have never seen anything so bad. Even the worst of the worst deserves to have someone who knows something. There are few objections, only sidebars because the state has to educate the defense on the law!

The testimony in this case of ALL the witnesses, buddies, etc haven't matched at all. None of them have told the same story about what actually took place that night. The Brown's, one said he slept on the couch, one said in the bed in the other room. Then dad comes up with the dresser story, no one else said anything about a dresser in front of the door? SNAP-where did that story come from? The Brown's are all guilty. Bearden didn't take part in the murder, yes, the cover-up clean-up he did take part in. But whose to say that Brown threatened to kill him if he didn't help? And since he was seen with Ryan it's been very easy for them to make him their escape goat. Brown didn't murder him because he was gay he murdered him for his car and needing more drug money. There hasn't been ANY evidence to support Bearden took part in the actual murder.

Why was Bearden the only one scrubbing away the blood and fingerprints inside the car?

I have a question,first ,why is he targeted in jail,with threats of being beat up and raped,on a daily basis.also,how does the tatoo of the dagger,protect him.If he is subject to those things,doesn't justice work in some strange ways !!

I believe that the Aguero family is plotting against Smiley. He got involved with the wrong people and now they're plotting against him because someone in the Aguero family is guilty!

I KEEP HEARING BEARDEN STOLE THE COMPUTER – BUT THE TESTIMONY I HEAR SAYS SKIPPER WAS WITH HIM WHEN HE TRIED TO SELL IT – IF THATS THE CASE , HOW COULD HE HAVE STOLEN IT? I THINK BEARDEN IS NOT GUILTY OF THIS CRIME , AS I HAVENT HEARD ANY EVIDENCE TO PROVE OTHERWISE. I DONT EVEN KNOW WHY HE IS ON TRIAL FOR THIS BASED ON WHAT I HAVE HEARD – SOUNDS TO ME LIKE ANY ONE OF THE STATES WITNESSES COULD BE ON TRIAL FOR THIS ALONG WITH BILL – BILL. I DONT SEE WHERE BEARDEN HAD ANY MORE INVOLVEMENT OR EVEN AS MUCH INVOLVEMENT AS SOME OF THE OTHERS. I ALSO DONT AGREE THAT HE ENCOURAGED THE OTHERS TO ROB SKIPPER – HE SIMPLY TOLD THEM DO WHATEVER YOU WANT – THATS NOT ENCOURAGING THEM – ALTHOUGH HE OBVIOSLY DIDNT TRY TO STOP THEM – OF COURSE HE MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT THEY WOULD KILL HIM. I ALSO DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING THE AGUEROS SAID – ESPECIALLY MARIA.

Brown used profanity at the defendant during a sidebar. Why wasnt anything said about that? The Brown family has alot more involvement than the defendant in this crime!!

We miss you Ryan...We Stand United In Your Name......We Stand United For Justice......We Will Never Forget!

I have been watching this trial for just a short time but from what I have heard the prosecution has not shown any evidence that J. Bearden killed Ryan. Sure his fingerprints are on the passengers side of the car but who's fingerprints where inside the car? Not the one on trial!!! The wrong man is on trial for this murder. My brother was murdered in 2002 and they still have not found out who the person was. But I can tell you that just cause J. Bearden has tattoos on his face doesn't mean he murdered anyone. My husband has tattoos all over and he could never do that, so I don't think anyone should judge him by the tattoos. Unfortunately society does anyway due to complete ignorance but we always want an easy way out and they feel that Bearden is it. I believe he needs a different lawyer who can actually do his job properly. I think he was just with the wrong group at the wrong time and since everyone is family except him he is the only one they can pin it on. Family will always stick together but that doesn't mean they are right. The prosecution has not shown any real evidence that proves that Bearden killed him. If anything it has been proven that he did not kill him. Our justice system has tunnel vision right now and they really need to start opening their eyes to other suspects.

It is horrible that someone is dead, I know what it is like, but you have to convict the right person not just anyone!!! And I don't believe the murderer is Bearden.

Angela Tyler is testifying now. The witnesses so far have been shady – she seems to be a little more coherent than the rest. I actually believe her and I find reasonable doubt in this case. I think she should be allowed to testify – the jury should hear this side and take it into their consideration.

I believe that Bearden is guilty of being an accessory after the fact for helping clean but it has not been proven to me that he took place in the murder or had any clue that Skipper was going to die that night.

This is a confusing case due to the drugged out witnesses who are shady themselves.. I feel sorry for the jury.. and I hope Skipper gets justice. If Bearden gets convicted and someone else helped BillBill and gets away with it - then justice has not been served.

I understand that this crime is being considered a hate crime. That would entail a crime against anothers humanity right? Well homosexualism is a sex act...period. A private sex act and nothing more. I know people who are homosexual and who do not attend 'Gay Pride' parades or celebrate 'Gay Day' or flaunt their sexuality at all. Their reason is the same reason everyone should abide by; "Their sex life is the most private event of their life besides using the restroom." Bragging has never done anyone any good so keep your sex life to yourself.

Debbie,

I agree with everything you said. I definitely do NOT believe the Agueros testimony. I truly hope the judge lets Angela Tyler testify! If not, I would appeal, appeal and appeal this case – if I was the defense attorney.

I would be ticked off it this testimony wasn't allowed in and I was on the jury -- they need to hear this and decide whether they think Angela Tyler is reliable.

I believe her testimony over the Agueros... c'mon judge – let this in!

By the way, one of these clowns is guilty of murder and if not murder complicity. I am certain that the young man did not stab himself 19 times!!!

I have to say the State of Florida has the wrong guy on trial here! Everything the state has put on points to "BILL, BILL!", the shoes that were found soaking in bleach water, match the shoe prints at the scene of the crime. Where are Josephs? The state needs to just concede that they have made a mistake, and move on with their case against not only Bill-Bill, but I believe Ray Alan Brown.

It is now my understanding that the murder weapon (knife) has been located?

Darlene I noticed the same thing that you did about Ray Brown. I also noticed how arrogant, and defiant he came across, during his testimony. The state blew their own case, in my opinion. Now that the defense, is putting on a defense, the state is grabbing at every straw they can possibly grab.

So please tell me the significance of the dagger tatoo. Did he get it after he went to jail? And how is it supposed to protect him in jail? And who's Ryan, Jaime?

Why would Mr. Skipper be waiting in the car when they returned from getting gas when Ray Brown said he does not want people waiting in cars in front of his house? Ray Brown is a liar and he and his cousin (Bill Bill )killed Mr. Skipper.

Who is running the court room? The Judge or the Prosecutor?
Give "Smiley" a break, let all evidence in, than the Jury can make their decision

My last name is Hunter,An I am a sham of that judge.I think that everyone that got into yhat car that day had something to do with that killing. The young man that they drop the charges against is also involve in helping killing Mr.Skipper. It seem like to me that the only person that everyone want to pay for is Mr.Bearden.The DA sould not have made a deal with anyone that was the when this crime took place.The one that was charge with the murder at first is getting away with murder.Mr.Ray Ray Brown.I don,t think this young man is getting a fair trail ROB

If the defendent in this case is innocent why does he have a tattooed tear drop by his right eye?

Wow with all this new information, murder weapon found in a tree put there by Bill Bills father, Ray Brown confessing to Angela he was involved to cover for Bill BIll. How did Mr.Bearden ever become a co-defendant?

I agree with Jen whole heartedly!

I agree that the jury should also hear this evidence, what are the legalities that prohibit them from this info.

Kurt-
I think bearden has a tatoo under his right eye for the wrong reason. I believe he is accused of a killing so he is using that for the tear drop tatoo so the inmates will stop abusing him in jail. Bearden has been viciously attacked in jail. He is where Ray Alan Brown should be!

It is beyond obvious that Bill Bill most likely wielded the knife. It is possible that Ray Ray was involved in the actual event or hiding evidence after.
What the trial is working to determine is what role Bearden played in it. He was with Ryan prior to anyone else. He and Ryan were attempting to trade a laptop for drugs. Bearden took Ryan to the drug house. He made a statement (per testimony) that he was going to rob him at his place but heard or saw someone else in the home so he waited. I do believe he was involved in car clean up so he was there after the murder as well. Bearden had the attatchment to Maria and Robert. So he was obviously there with the car and Bill Bill. So he has been placed in the car before and after the murder. He is an accesory to the crime. I have watched this trial since the start... this is all my opinion based on the evidence I have heard so far.

THIS IS SHAMEFUL. A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY! BEARDEN IS INVOLVED AFTER THE FACT IT IS SO OBVIOUS! THE JUDGE HAD BETTER LET THE DEFENSE WITNESS TESTIFY OR ELSE THIS IS A MISCARRAIGE OF JUSTICE. I THOUGHT A TRIAL IS TO SEEK THE TRUTH!!!! EVERY PERSON WHO HAS SOMETHING TO ADD SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO TESTIFY. NOT ONE'S WHO ARE CHOSEN BY THE JUDGE. GEESE NOW ADD INSULT TO INJURY A KNIFE IN A TREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT KIND OF A AN INVESTIGATION DID THE POLICE PERFORM?? BEARDEN SHOULD BE USED AS A WITNESS AGAINST THE THE REAL KILLERS!

GOD BLESS RYAN REST IN PEACE.

I predict a mis-trial coming up. Too much new info coming in that just cannot be ignored. They need to gather it all in and start over.

Ryan skipper's murder is not only disheartening, but incensing and intolerable. It is clear that from the amount of violence committed to his body that this was more than a robbery.

Bias/hate crimes are not going to stop,even, with hate crime legis-lation. Yes, it will inform people that hate crimes are not tolerated at a national level, but it won't mean one iota to individuals who have this mindset towards us.

I sincerely believe that what will ultimately begin to make people in the country reconsider this mindset is when a spokesperson from an organization addresses publicly the idea that the moral beliefs/ judgements people have been taught, were more than likely created by man... just in the same way that the Salem witch hunts during 1600s were nothing more than the machinations of a mysoginist.

Karlg

They all have a rap sheets a mile long, so its hard to believe any of them. We will have to stick with forensics .

Bearden would have to have had some part in the robbery as he stood to gain something out of the sale of the vehicle after the fact. He is prepared to plead guilty after the fact, dealing in stolen property, and tampering with evidence.

I just do not see how the State has proven a case for murder just by his being in the vehicle with Ryan, who unfortunately trusted the wrong people in his effort to score dope. There is no other reason why Ryan would have driven to a meth house. The entire Brown clan (fathers, sons, cousins, mother) have extensive criminal records, past prison sentences, and all are related to either meth sales or robbery.

The same can be said for the Aguero clan, including the fact that Robert and his father are registered sex offenders. Bearden is the convenient scapegoat for the Browns. Ray Allen and Bill Bill were the pair who murdered Ryan, while the Aguero's testimony was in return for not being charged themselves with being accessories after the fact.

Now, with the new information coming from Jeff Mann of Jeff Man Septic Tank Co. in Bartow, which he supposedly forgot about, Wm David Brown Sr. is rightfully about to be implicated in this as well. He is Bill Bills father, and has an extensive criminal bkgrnd. Mann says he disposed of the knife used to kill Ryan in a tree in their backyard. How this case against Bearden can go foward at this point is baffling.

The State should accept Bearden's guilty plea on 3 counts, drop the murder charge, and prosecute on conspiracy to commit robbery. They should arrest Ray Allen Brown, Wm. David Brown, Sr. and try them alongside Bill Bill. There could be no doubt, with the new testimony of Angela Tyler and Jeff Mann that the rightful conviction for murder be obtained in this case.

The Aguero's are lucky. Daniel and Robert are both in State Prison, Maria is supposedly on her way to Ripley Tennessee to live with her kids, and the father George is too old to be up to his old tricks. The Browns on the other hand are an evil rotten bunch, and should all rot in prison eventually.

I totally agree, Cris. I watched the circus today and it is rediculous.

The defense is NOT defending the defendant... just making a mess of things.

They need to declare a mistrial, get a better attorney for the defendant, interview ALL the people and get their ducks in a row.

This is a shame, too, because I really hope to hear Bearden's testimony should he take the stand.

"Do-over!"

Well, I missed this morning and by the time I got to CNN online, the Judge was ranting about not wanting to do something. He seemed to have control until the Defense didn't have their ducks in a row.

I sure hope that attorney Q'ing RayRay yesterday doesn't do all the defense witnesses. He is s-l-o-w as ever! Asks the Q, witness answers, attorney repeats the witness answer, witness affirms, and attorney repeats it again. Holy moly ... let's get going Defense!

Maryn, I totally agree with you.

Cris, I have to agree with you too, although I would hate to see a mistrial.

Eric, it is a hate crime based on what Smiley stated in front of several people. It's the law.

God Bless Ryan's family having to go through all of this foolishness of RayRay's antics on the stand and the 'stick' found in the tree. Good grief!

I dont believe Berden was a part in the murder. He kept silent, because he wanted to be a "homey". the Brown family are protecting each other.
From what I get, is that those who live in this neighbourhood are all friends, so to speak. So why shouldnt they protect their own.

But you cant let an innocent person go to prison, if they are truly innocent. That is just not right! No matter which way you look at it.

I totally agree with Rob, Worcester, Mass

Ok ... So everyone thinks these people were strangers !!!! they werent .. Ryan lived with to other female roommates the Landlord of the house .. well take a guess bill bills uncle is the owner they knew ryan before this . there is alot of incorrect statements being said to clear the air i know ryan wouldnt pick up strangers! I really thing both bearden and bill bill and the aguero Female were involved! they all are all crackheads i mean all of the people that are trying to defend mr bearden look at them either they are in jail or they are dumb ! This was a HATE CRIME!!!!

adrianne : :: : :: : : Bearden was the one cleaning the car along with agureo female .the cops found the car near a lake on a boat ramp one of the neighboring people near bill bills house seen them with the car .. if you go to cnn.com you can see everything

Okay I think the issue about Angela Tyler testifying is that the defense put RayRay on the stand because they knew he was going to impeach himself - they did it on purpose. They now want Angela Tyler to testify to impeach RayRay, who is their own witness. If the DA"s office did that - all heck would break loose..

So I understand why the DA is objecting.. having said that, I believe Angela Tyler and I hope she's allowed to testify.

Also, a weapon was found in the tree today per the local news and it has been sent to a crime lab already. I wonder if any fingerprints can be gleamed from the weapon.

I think Bearden did know about the robbery, which makes him guilty of felony murder but I do not believe that he was there when the actual murder took place.

I have an issue with the felony murder law, but as it stands now – it is the law.

I just don't know about this case. Bearden shouldn't have gotten those tattoos but he's only 5'3" and like 130 lbs according to the Florida inmate website. I bet he does get hassled a lot in jail.. he is tiny.

I wonder what the jurors are thinking right now.

I wanted to add to my comment above. I have a lot of reasonable doubt in this case and definitely could not vote for the death penalty for him.

I don't think I could vote GUILTY beyond a reasonable doubt. I won't name who I think is guilty of helping Bill Bill in the actual killing, but I do not think it was Bearden.

i would be willing to bet you that judge hunter will annouce a mis-trial on wednesday or thursday! sounds to me like the detectives did not interview every body that they should have – neighbors across the street from maria that witnessed her cleaning out the car!! she needs to be arrested for the same charge as j bearden. (have you seen her criminal record) you listened to j beardens taped conversation of ray brown and bill bill brown saying they were going to rob ryan skipper – ray brown should be charged ! oh and this knife that just now shows up – come on what is going on – this is crazy (like a movie) were is the grandmother from south carolina that needs to testify that she took j bearden home the very next day of this crime!! let j breaden go free! arrest the correct criminals! THIS IS COURT ROOM CIRCUS WITH ALL OF THE WILD ANIMALS PARTICIPATIING IN THE WILDEST SHOW EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The state of FL is out to get Bearden! The DA, is he up for re-election or what? And the judge and DA are best buddies that's crystal clear now. The state of FL needs to release Bearden and charge ALL THE BROWN'S with the murder of Ryan Skeeter! THERE'S BEEN NO EVIDENCE INVOLVING BEARDEN!! What more does this judge need? Oh I forgot he my need another coffee/lunch break since that's been the most important of his day!
What a joke! SHAME ON THE STATE OF FL for this judge and DA! Someone needs to look into their credentials and make sure they are qualified to hold the office and chair they hold today!

This trial is a mess. How does the defendant ever have a chance of a fair trial. Yes he was involved however the death penalty is outragous
for J. Bearden.

Judge come on! Wake up! Stop letting the Prosecutor run the friggin show! If I was in the juror box I would be so making faces at the prosecutor, he is so annoying getting all arrogant with the witnesses making them seen like they are idoits. Some of your questions are stupid yes dumb Mr. Prosecutor!!! Lets try and be fair here Judge, let the defense have some say!

How can the judge state that there is likely no forensic evidence remaining? Do we know where in the tree the knife was found? Could it not have been in a protected area such as a hole or deep crevice? It does sound to me in listening that there are attempts to push this along more quickly than perhaps it should be.

Are you kidding me Judge??? No offense I dont believe you Judge are an expert in Forensic Science! How could you say the knife is of no interest??? There are 14 year old cold cases that are solved everyday due to old evidence being reintroduced after years and years! Forensic Science is huge these days! I work for a Forensic Toxicology Lab and the testing is so advanced, I really can not believe the Judge is not going to allow the knife to be tested and introduced in this case! I think the Judge is totally against the defense! The case against J Bearden should be thrown out!

This trial is scary. Is this really the way our justice system works? I've always been pro death penalty. This trial has really changed my mind on that.

[Above quote] " homosexualism is a sex act…period." "A private sex act and nothing more."

Where do you get this information from... a church? No, it is not a sex act. Is heterosexuality just a sex act? It is the individual's identity. Also because an individual identifies him/herself as gay, is affectionate towards his/her partner or attends/participates in a parade, does not mean they are flaunting anything.

I'm so ticked off.This is crazy.I mean way beyond crazy.The dude pleads the fifth.mmmmmm.I wonder why?Could it be he and Ray Ray are guilty.This makes me sick.The fact that the thought of a hate crime is coming to play blows my mind.We all know this is not a hate crime.Joey Bearden is innocent.of murder that is.The court is a joke.A laughing joke.Ray Ray was high as a kite during his testimony.It's a shame that we have been watching a trial that is suppose to be about Joseph and his involvement in the murder,yet it has been nothing but about the Brown's.It's just awful what has happened to Ryan,I mean awful.But it still doesn't make it right to charge Joseph Bearden with his murder.If I were on jury I would not be able to say guilty on just what has been given to me,which isn't alot of evidence to charge him with Felony First Degree Murder(which means he'll die for that)not right.This just is not right.

This is too pitiful.I dont get it.Why when someone straight make a comment to someone gay it's a "Hate Crime"but a gay can say whatever they like to whom ever they choose and it's not a hate crime.Hating on someone is hating on someone no matter what the case maybe.What about my rights?Or the next person to me?They are not the only ones who have rights.WE ALL DO.And the media as just took the slaying of this young boy and ran with it as if he were killed over his sexual preference,when in fact it was over drugs.

another day in the life of crime....the worst thing about this trial ...the judge actually got upset because he had to read up on the law...and the poor jurrors had to wait ..so what ..we have a man on trial for his LIFE ..so what if they had to wait for another witness ..I am amazed ..I bet if the judge was in the "hot seat" he would want everything ALL evidence and ALL wittnesses be allowed to speak..
looks to me like they are railroading Bearden that Family is sticking together BIll Bill and RAY RAY need to fry .. not Smiley
I do think he is guilty of much lesser charges...I pray the jury can see through this drug infested mess!

Bill Bill is the murderer, not Bearden. Skipper was out trolling for sex and drugs. I feel he made unwelcome advances toward Bill Bill (who is a homosexual incest victim) and Bill Bill went berserk and killed him. Robbery was an afterthought.

Look at George Michael, the singer. He has been caught numerous times in sexual encounters with seedy looking men. Skipper is not the "saint" he is being made out to be and this led to his horrible and unfortunate death.

This is not a hate crime.

did anyone test to see whether a left handed person could have commited this act?

he did it i think the truth will come out?

I DONT BELIEVE THEY FOUND HIM GUILTY. IF THE OTHER EVIDENCE THAT TURNED UP DURING THE CASE SHOULD OF BEE BOUGHT IN TO THE JURORS EVIDENCE!!!! I FEEL JOSEPH IS NOT GUILTY!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING GUILTY OF MURDER! NO WAY. WHAT IS WRONG WITH JUDICIAL SYSTEM I FLORIDA??? I GUESS RE=ELECTION MUST BE COMING UP AND IT LOOKS GOOD. I FOR ONE FIND THIS A TOTAL MISCARRAIGE OF JUSTICE AND A SHAM!

i really believe that bearden is not guilty.And allso thang his lawers need to fight the fact they didnt test that knife that was found. Someday the truth will come out and they will know this young man didnt do it..Just take a look in his eyes when they said he was guilty you will see. I feel so bad for him and pray that he gets a new trail and a fair one because i dont thang this one was.And if there is anyway to get a message to this young man lawers tell them please dont geve up on him keep fighting to get new trail and bring everythang in that was left out on this one.

Christy I agree with your left handed comment, If someone was murdered in the drivers seat by a stronger lefty, that would raise some question to me, as a passenger being left handed would have to make a uncomfortable turn to have the upper hand..............food for though

I am so hearted broken for Joseph Bearden and his family. I honestly think that he is not guilty of murder I think that Bill Brown and Ray Brown are the true killers. And my opinion is that the jury should of heard Angela Tyler's testimony and should of known that the knife was found and where it was found. I thought that the purpose of a jury is to hear all evidence and than decide what is irrelevant and what's not. If I was Joseph I would find a new attorney who knows what their doing and than try to file an appeal. And not to say anything bad about Ryan Skipper because It is a shame that he got killed and I do feel bad for his family but I don't think that Ryan was such a goody goody like they made him sound. He obviously was in to drugs also.