Surprising testimony at Florida murder trial

My, my, my what took these people so long to come forth? And the weapon? It's been in a freakin tree all this time? This person should have gone and let someone know before now that Brown had told him of this statement! Bearden is totally not guilty of being, helping, and being invovled in the murder of Ryan Skeeter! He needs to be released and ALL the Brown's be charged for Ryan's murder!

What is this judge thinking when it comes to Miss Tyler, and the knife issue that has come up?!!!! He thinks that the knife has "NO BEARING", on the defense case!!!!

I see this case built on a family protecting its own. Blood is thicker than water. Ray Ray and the sister who was cleaning the car seem to be guilty of atleast obstruction if not more. What a bunch of rednecks!

Mr. Bearden has not had a fair trial. So much is being kept from the jury. Also his attorneys don't seem to be doing their job. I worry about this system.

I feel like the state is more worried about winning the case instead of finding out the truth. The judge doesn't want to allow the testimomy of this Angela but is allowing the testimony of this William guy. What is testimony more reliable than her testimony. And what about the knife why would there be any doubt as to allow it as evidence or not. I don't believe that Bearden or Bill Bill would take turns stabing Skipper, what if there is DNA from this Bill Bill and not Bearden? Doesn't that raise questionable doubt on who would have done it. How long can DNA exist on on object?

I understand prosecutors want to win, but the tactics of trying to "trip up" a witness should be more closely watched by the judges. I'm listening to the questions being posed to this witness and he's very confusing. He's getting the answers he asks for and then tries to ask it a different way and acts as if she's not answering them.

When watching the two trials in the last month ( Hilton and Bearden ) there is such a discrepancy in the ability of the lawyers in these cases. The lawyer for Hilton was a true professional, while the attorney for Bearden is a joke in my opinion. He has no objections, is obviously disorganized, makes ridiculous promises, and stammers throughout his questioning. If Bearden gets convicted he should cry incompetent council.

THIS GUY IS SO NOT GUILTY.

Mr. Bearden is an accomplice after the fact and is only trying to cover his own behind. If he wants any chance of getting himself out of it, he needs to testify against the Browns and let everyone know what really did happen. None of the witnesses for the defense have been of any use to them. They have been not only hostile, but elusive in their statements. As far as the murder weapon is concerned. After two years of hiding, I would agree with the judge that it can not be admitted since most forensic evidence would be futile to try to remove from the blade.

My wife and I have been glued to the set watching these proceedings – can a cd video of this event be purchased when this is concluded?

IF Bearden is convicted there's no doubt that at some point there will be another trial upon appeal.

What I find most disturbing is that the judge seems to be pro-prosecution...Not fair and/or reasonable.

Are they going to introduce the murder weapon into evidence before jury deliberation? It also seems like the testimony of one of the most credible witnesses, Angela Tyler, is not being allowed. What about the detective who overheard Ray Ray, in the courthouse, threatening her because of her testimony? Can there be any charges placed against any of these witnesses that waited for nearly two years to come forward?

i believe that joseph bearden is gulity of this crime. i hope the jury find
him gulity, he should not get away with murding this young man. if he
did not have any thing to do with the murder or has nothing hide, he should take the stand and testify that he had nothing to do with this crime. he should not hide behind the 5th ammendment or his lawyers

The DA in this case needs to learn how to communicate without anger! I am really want to know whose running the courtroom? The Judge or the DA? The DA is appears as he says, do this do that, you need to do... I now understand why things as so messed up in the judical system in the state of FL.
The state is railroading him (Bearden) to get this case closed. I would also like to know if the DA is running for an office and is the judge up for re-election? That would explain volumes with what's been done in this case. The DA can't even give the judge the jury instruction in the order they should have been. And the judge just looks over it and the DA clarifies how he needed to put things in order! OMG I'm telling you their golfing buddies since everything has gone on the DA request, demanding, and instructing!
The boat needs to set sail with the DA and the judge on board and sail right out of the FL judical system forever!!!

My heart goes out to Ryan and his family. It is such an awful crime. However J. Bearden was not present during this murder beyond a doubt!! The Browns are getting away with this awful crime.

I think my family must be a dying breed in the "South". First, We worked hard and celebrated President Obama's hard fought election (we worked in North Carolina and Virginia - TN was going to be a wash). Then I watch on CNN a most horrific crimes against small children in Florida, not to speak of the Gena 6. Now I find myself looking at In-Session's coverage, with mouth agape at the attorneys, defendants, and witnesses. Ray-Ray can't keep his story straight about his activities on the night of the murder, Bill-Bill hasn't been to trial yet, Smiley, Dopey, and the other witnesses are poster children for use of methamphettamine. Lord.....I'm wanting my family to move to the backwoods of Vermont!

I can't believe this trial. They won't let new evidance in because the judge is in a hurry to wrap this all up? Tell me this isn't true!

This trial has cemented in my mind that certain "rules of law" meant to protect the innocent can be used against defendants during a trial. The Prosecutor in this case appears to care more about obtaining a conviction than having the truth told in court. Bearden is no choir boy but probably did not take part in this murder. He is a victim of the Brown family and their manipulation of the truth.

I can hardly stand this trial anymore. I almost feel sorry for Bearden at this point, and don't think he stands a chance. The judge, does seem like he just wants to get this trial over with and the whiney prosecutor seems like he's trying to win his case and a vote w/the community rather than finding out who really killed Ryan Skipper. And, he wastes too much time trying to make them look stupid, not necessary, they do a fine job all on their own! Regardless of the charge, Bearden is going to jail. The more this trial went on, the more obvious the "story" the Brown's & KirschofI told, sounded awfully rehearsed (Kirschof doing the best job). The Dad & son Ray seemed to get their details mixed up between the 3 players sharing the same story (they all asked for Ryan's ID, who told Bearden to ask Skipper to come in, the fact that Ray wasn't sure if he held the flashlight or poored the gas, but you know you did one or the other?? COME ON!!) . It doesn't surprise me at all that all this last minute evidence and witness type info comes in so late, look at the kind of people we are dealing with. Poor Ryan, so sadly a victim in the end, I'm sure he didn't make any advance towards Bill Bill, the difference is so blatently obvious between the two lifestyles, I couldn't imagine. I'm not sure how he ended up w/Bearden, and I do believe Bearden was only fixed on "gettin another fix" in the beginning, but without Ryan, none of us will ever know what really happened. I wonder if the defendants ever really know or remember what happened. But I do think the stabbing had a lot to do with Bill Bill being abused by his own father at knife or gun point and the tormented feelings he must harbor about any sexual activity. Yuk! Why didn't he just kill his father?

When did the Judge become the jury?
How could the judge decide that a witness for the defense could not testify> BUT every family member and anyone who lived at the METH house could?
Why is the Judge in such a hurry?
I thought that we, as Americans, can always count on the Judge to protect us, guilty or NOT?

When did the prosecutor become the JUDGE?

I am sorry for the Jury that they did not hear every witness.
If Jury send Mr. Breaden to death because of the decision of the Judge not to let Angel testify, shame, shame.
I hope that the judge will be overturned because of this decisions.

What happen to the truth and nothing but the truth.....JUDGE...
I do not believe in any test because this is a man's life.

No wonder that Mr. Breaden would not take the stand.
When you can see and hear the Judge's bias against not only the defendant but also the COURT APPOINTED attorneys, NO Way Would ANYONE TAKE THE STAND.!!!!!!!

dont believe a word any witness says
they are all loney

I think it is really odd that you don't remember that you had seen someone put a knife in a tree. I sure I would have remembered that after I had heard that someone had been stabbed to death and someone in my immediate family might be involved and was being questioned. It does not matter if the person is family or not they should have still said something sooner. I still don't believe that someone is to busy to remember that they had seen someone putting a knife in a tree. I think that is just ubserd.

I was wondering if now that a knive, possibly the murder weapon, has been discovered and it was at a home relating to, I think it was Bill Bill, that Angela the witness not allowed to be heard by the jury, identified as the person she was told committed the crime by the other defandent. Should the judge now reconsider allowing the jury to hear her testimony since it seems to give it more substance now than just hear say now?

I still want people to understand that no matter what Mr. Beardon did have something to do with this. If Mr. Beardon had not brought Ryan to this house and not wanted to rob Ryan then Ryan would be alive. Ryan was a good person I have known him for 10 yrs. What this all comes out to is that Mr. Beardon had something to do with this even if it was cleaning the car after the fact. But he put Ryan in this situation and he will have to live with that for the rest of his life and the one or ones that killed Ryan will pay for their part in the eyes of the lord and I pray that Ryan's family will get through this trial and be able to heal. I pray that Ryan will recieve justice and everyone involved no matter how small their part might be will get their just deserves!!!!!!

The state has presented there case beyond a reasonable doubt!! Bearden should not testify.

The state has NOT presented its case beyond a reasonable doubt. J. Bearden should NOT testify !

Mr.Bearden has been given an unfair trial. Evidence to clear him has been conveniently discarded. Angela, a key witness cannot be heard by the jury – and evidence of the knife omitted. There has been no testimony beyond a reasonable doubt that Bearden is guilty of the actual murder. Maybe guilty of other charges..I agree with others that the defence team is doing a poor job; and the Judge and DA seem as though they have much better things to be doing. The Judge definitely seems as though he is for the prosecution. Actually, the DA is the Judge. It is though they have convicted Bearden already.
It has been stated by several witnesses BillBill's involvement – blood on clothing and actual confessions.
I am glad that I am not on the jury – I would not have liked to be deceived or been privy to a trial of such bad taste with the Judge's blatant bias and I certainly am glad that Bearden's life is not in my hands – to convict a man without hearing the truth....
This is a poor reflection on the justice system...sad...very sad....
The Browns will be getting away with murder........

I have been following this as well and I am very upset to say that I missed everything today so far becuse of being unable to get a connection...let me in!!! Let me in!!!! I agree with those that say that the Defense attorneys look like the most inept people ever. They are doing absolutely nothing for Mr. Beardon except ticking the judge off. I have never in my life seen a trial that has been such a mess. Shame on them all!!! The defense for being idiots, the judge for hurrying things along, and the Prosecution for campaigning!!!!!!!!

Maybe the prosecutors and the judge should be put on trial for this murder and – maybe the evidence proving their innocence should be withheld from the jury and maybe – just maybe – THEN justice would be served!

Something is seriously wrong with our judicial system when the god damn prosecutors and Judge dissallow evidence that could clearly free an innocent man and put the real murders behind bars. I guess they would rather have them out on the streets so they can murder again. If there weren't crooked people in this world big fat rich court officials wouldn't have a job now would they!

I bet a miilion dollars that if it was their child on trial and there was evidence to prove them innocent – the jury would hear ALL evidence and testimony!

Ok, lets put this guy behind bars so 20 years from now he can be cleared by DNA and in the meantime the real murderer and his family can just keep killing people and getting away with it!!!!

J. Bearden does NOT need to take the stand and testify. I believe the state has not presented its case beyond a reasonable doubt!

Chris, Co

I am a former Marine and a firm believer in the judicial system of our country. In this case I feel that a miss trial should have been declared, the grandmother that drove Mr. Bearden 15 miles the morning of the murder was for, what ever reason , not heard by the jury, and the jury also was not allowed to hear the testimony of the last minute witness by the defense, or the fact that the possible murder weapon has been found. If Mr. Bearden is convicted, I think it is a miscarriage of justice that some of the evidence that could possibly have a great affect on the verdict was not allowed to be presented. With that said, if Mr. Bearden is convicted what are the chances of a new trial based on new and unheard evidence being granted on an appeal ?

I see a similarity between this trial and that of Kathleen Hilton. In both cases, the state wants to convict someone–anyone–of the crime, and they seize upon a weak person with no money and no family to support them–even though evidence of their guilt is slim or nonexistent.

In the Hilton trial, there was a fair, compassionate judge and a dedicated and brilliant lawyer. Here we have a pro-prosecution judge who seems more concerned about sticking to his schedule than any other consideration–and a lawyer who seems overwhelmed by the prosecutor and the judge.

The defendant has had a tough life and has a criminal record, although I don't recall that it contained any violent crimes. He is only 23 years old! I hope that he is acquitted and that some compassionate person takes him under their wing and helps him to straighten out his life. It's not too late.

I for one belive Joseph Bearden did NOT kill Ryan Skipper! Look at ALL the Browns. This guy was mixed up in stuff he had NO control over. He is now becoming the Scape Goat. He strikes me as a VERY impressional young man. I feel VERY sorry for Ryan Skipper and his family, but I also too feel for Joseph Bearden and his family.

This Bearden trial is a total three ring circus. I predict Mis-trial !

Ok. I watch csi check under the handle for dna. As for the witness who waited Angela it could be it took them this long to get her to lie so her testimony would be questionable at best.

How will you ever be sure what the truth is. None of their testimony can be relied upon. All of the people involved, except for the victim, are addicts, thieves and absolute trash. All of them should be thrown in jail forever. They will never be able to function successfully or even be slightly productive in normal society. They are the people we all fear.

I cannot believe the Defense has waited until now to bring up things at the last minute, i.e. Angela Taylor, Beardon being found sleeping in the yard, the knife! Why wasn't these issues addressed before now and why did these people wait until now to say something?

What happens if DNA is found on the knife.....after the trial is over? Why not test it now whether it has rust on it or not! No one is believable in this entire bunch! What is our society coming to? These are a bunch of drug addict, uneducated rednecks with tatoos!

I watched this trial from the start, and I don't think the judge is biased against the defendant or his attorneys – though they (defense attorneys) have certainly tried his patience with some of their courtroom tactics. Every decision he made as to whether or not to allow testimony or "new" evidence in was caredfully weighed. If you watch the trial from the online feed, you would see just how thorough the judge is/was.

I don't think that Beardon committed the murder (nor do I think that the State proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt) though he is culpable and has admitted to his involvement in certain aspects of the crime (including clean up of the car, possession of stolen goods, etc), The charging documents decided today by the judge and attorneys on both sides, allow the jury to convict on lesser charges including second degree murder, manslaughter and a host of other charges.

I also agree that Ray Allen Brown should be sitting in prison awaiting and/or on trial.

what about the broken tip of the knife that still in the tree. It has not been exposed to the weather

It is amazing that yet again evidence is being thrown out – now the Grandma, the knife et al...an expert figure in the forensics has just stated on National TV that the knife would have forensic evidence on it and it could be matched to the wounds on the body.....

This Judge is unbelievable....I hope the powers that be...are watching this trial and see the unfairness.....

Bearden, although, your defense team is weak...they are trying; but , thanks to the Judges – Castillo and Hunter.....I don't think you have a chance....everything to clear your name is being thrown out......

I wonder if anyone has considered that once processed, the knife could possibly be linked negatively towards Mr. Bearden! And what if this jury finds him innocent of the death of Ryan Skipper? He can not be tried again for the same crime...

How can the judge not allow the knife to be brought into evidence? Who is to say how the elements have affected it? Was it even tested for DNA? If not, why not?

Am I missing something?? Was there any DNA evidence presented? or are they just using the fingerprints? I haven't really seen anything in the State's case that proves beyond a resonable doubt other than the defendent was stupid in the 'friends' he chose. Other than now the defense seems to have an arguement for appeal for this new evidence

I feel like the judge just wants this trial to end. If the knife was in the tree for 18 months, the handle was exposed to the elements but the blade was protected by the tree. One of the witnesses even said that evidence can remain on items under certain circumstances for long periods of time.

I totally agree if the judge and DA were put on trial for murder and their case was presented as this one, they too would be crying "can someone please HELP me"! This DA and judge are the ambushers here in the case!
I hope that the judge and DA always remember "what goes around comes around!" And I wouldn't want to be them when it comes back around to them. The state of Florida needs to reprimand, severily, the officers of the court to even allow key testimony and a murder weapon to not be given to the jury! Cover-up clearly going on in Florida. It makes me wonder if the police aren't in on this too????? Makes you go mmmmmm!
I can't wait to see what happens in the case of Casey Anthony it too be in the state of Florida. That should be a site to see after seeing this one!

MY WIFE AND I THINK FROM ALL TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE THAT WE HAVE SEEN FROM THE WEBSITE AND TV THAT THE JURY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE KNIFE BEING FOUND BUT ALSO I THINK THIS KID JUST MIGHT BE TELLING THE TRUTH AND MAYBE IT WAS RAY ALLEN BROWN WHO WAS IN THE CAR WHEN THE MURDER WAS COMMITTED I THINK THE STATES CASE IS VERY WEAK IN THIS CASE AND WE ARE NOT CONVINCED THIS KID IS GUILTY

I may have missed some testimony in the Bearden case, but what I've seen has left me questioning why so much evidence is being left out. A man has been killed and another man is facing the death penalty. It seems prudent to let the jury hear all information so they can come to a just decision.

We should not rush to judgment and convict an innocent person just because the prosecution doesn't want to lose a case. The testimony of the lady Ray Brown talked to and the knife information should be brought before the jury. I have a lot of reasonable doubt in this case. Bearden may be guilty of being an accessory after the fact but not murder.

I believe this kid is not guilty. He's not a saint, but who is? I would fire those lawyers, telling the jury that their witness is going to testify, then suggest to Mr. Bearden not to, makes it look and sound he has something to hide. He needs the jury to hear him out, he's most likely going to spend some time in jail anyways, so why not face and talk to the jury?

I don't know about anyone else, but this is a death penalty case and Mr. Beardon isn't being given a fair trial! I am sorry, but these people were obviously afraid to come forward......who wouldn't be??? This evidence and testimonies should be allowed for all to see. One thing good about this, is that the families are getting to hear and see this, so they may on Mr. Beardon's behalf be asked to save his life! I am completely sickened by this! The Prosecutor will stop at nothing, even a man's life, to get a conviction!

Even though I’ve harped about the tear tattoo, there just isn’t enough evidence to convict Bearden! WAY too much reasonable doubt on this case. It really seems that the state didn’t even have enough to charge him in the first place, seems that they were relying on the Brown’s testimony to convict Bearden.

Sherry L-no one is trying to say that Mr. Beardon shouldn't pay for what transpired "after" the brutal slaying of Ryan. We are saying that this is a miscarriage of justice for Mr. Beardon. Don't you want to see ALL the people in this mess pay for what they did to him? I understand that Mr. Bearden helped clean the car, but for him to pay for a BRUTAL murder such as this, is wrong. The Browns, Agueros, Maestos, and the other guy in jail---all of them should pay for this poor man's death, don't you agree? Mr. Bearden shouldn't die for this, is that going to bring Ryan back? I do believe an eye for an eye, but that should be against "Bill-Bill" and "Ray-Ray"

Why wasn't anyone asked what clothes [description] he had on at different segments of time. I want to know more about who changed clothes and when. Even if they were never found, the clothing descriptions and time-frames could be critical.

Innocent? Are you all crazy? Or just liberal bleeding hearts? And no, we have no re-elections coming up any time soon– that was handled this past November, before this February trial started. It sickens me that everyone is so concerned with Bearden's rights, and not Skipper's- oh yeah, he doesn't have rights anymore, because he's dead. Bearden's prints are in the car, his pot smoking with Ryan story proves false by toxicology, and Brown's cousin's prints are nowhere in the vehicle. Nowhere. Their stories sound rehearsed? Any story would, when you have two years to prepare for it. Even stories that are true.

It shows how people's perspective of how someone looks weighs heavily on whether or not to convict them. Whether Bearden commited this crime or had any involvement in it, I can not say mostly because I was not there, however, it does not look like he's had a fair trial. People are just coming forward now with new evidence that could clear him of murder, the state is trying to surpress new testimony that could clear him, etc. If he does get convicted of this crime, it will only get overturned on appeal by a more competent judge and waste more of our taxpayer money on subsequent trials. I hope the system doesn't send another innocent man to jail.

I have been glued to this case from the beginning for several reasons. I feel so much pain for Ryans friends and family. I do believe his life was taken because of the chain of events Bearden put in to play that night. Having said that, no he may not have been in the car when Ryan was killed but Ryan would not have been there if not for Bearden. The mistake that is being made here is that a third person should be on trial here, Ray Brown. Ray was involved as much as James! The Brown family are looking out for family. But James Bearden brought him to these people to be slaughtered. He may not have been right there when Ryan was killed but he set in motion. After reading the other comments I am shocked that people still think that system can be fair. As you are now seeing it isnt always fair!!

And now... in closing agruments... the DA tells the story of Ray Allen Brown. What a coinsidence, telling the truth by the words he is saying about Ray Allen's involvement but at the same time telling the jury that its all a lie and that Bearden is guilty. Why cant the DA just confess that they screwed up & had the right 2 guys arrested but left one go, why? Because the cover up by the Brown's is so extensive it will be really unbelievable if this man is charged with murder. I know if I were on the jury even without hearing some evidence (that they obviously dont even know about) I would NOT be able to convict this man of murder let alone death for something that he so obviously did NOT comit.

DA get over it and charge and convict the right two individuals.... "Bill Bill and Ray Ray"

If I see another person say an INNOCENT person may be sent to jail I think I will scream. The state is not saying Bearden took the knife and stabbed Ryan. Bearden knew the Browns, how do we know the worm didnt have the nerve himself to kill Ryan but he knew these idots would. He was involved from the start!! He took Ryan to someone that could finsh what he started. The only miscarriage og justice here is that Ray Brown and possibly a few of the other family members are being set free. I hope there is way charges can be put against these people. Purgery? Helping after the fact? William Brown Sr. for the hiding the knife? That is the injustice here. James Beardon is no more innocent than they are.

Faith-
thi also have been following the Casey Anthony trial and yes i believe the system there makes u go mmmmmmmmmmm?

Why would they allow witnesses waiting to testify sit together outside the courtroom anyway? It is no big surprise that they would be able to talk and possibly taint the validity of their testimonies.

What a total failure of the justice system ! How can you not let the jury see all the evidence ? Some of it is critical to this case that could free bearden ! Looks like the judge has a schedule to keep as he is rushing everything along !

Wait a second.....You cannot blame the way this all went down on the simple fact the Ryan would have not been there had it not been for Joey Bearden.That's just too far fetched.Ryan was a grown boy,he had every right to say NO.But he didn't.You cant put that on Joey Bearden.It is really heart breaking and no matter what is said,how things are done or whatever.Thet fact that this boy could be charged with Felony First Degree Murder takes my breeth.The state never had enough to charge him,from the start.It's a shame that they are only going by hear say not hardcore evidence,then turn right around and not allow Angela Tyler's testimony to be known.That's just a little fishy to me.When your dealing with a 23 year old boy and the death penalty then your dealing with a whole nother issue,that needs to be addressed.With any and evrything that comes into play with this trial.

And as far as Ray Allen Brown and William David Jr Brown.Well thats another comment.Let me just say they are guilty of murder.Ray Ray better watch out.I think he'll have his sweet day in court.Maybe not for this,but for something.Ray Ray pretty much let all know right where it is he stands with the threat on Angela.And Maria Aguero with her filthy mouth and a hardcore attitude lolololol whatever.She knows that she knew Ryans car was stolen.I was born at night,but it wasn't lastnight.When boys pull into YOUR driveway with a new car and wanting drugs.Well then it's one or two things.1.IT'S STOLEN.......Or 2.The good Lord just dropped a new car in her driveway.yeah.OKAY....She knew all about it.

Bearden may not be innocent and yes i agree that he put the victim in the house of the Brown's, but hes on trial for murder & not just murder hes facing the death pentaly.
Could you convict this man of murder knowing that there is NOT any evidence of him being in the car at the time of the murder? Yes his prints are on the OUTSIDE of the car, but he said that he was with the victim BEFORE he died.
And whats to say that Bearden wasnt threatened if he didnt help clean up the car or try to get rid of the car after the fact?
I personally think that the Brown's came up with this generator gas story to cover their ass's for the murder that they comited, Brown's being Bill Bill and Ray Ray.
Ray Allen Brown couldnt even tell the jury if he put the gas in this generator or held the flash light – John K? JW I believe is his nickname is started this generator story and the 3 of them with JT included couldnt even keep their cover story straight.
Something is not right here.
And everyone is saying he is guilty, yes, maybe guilty of the clean up and like I said whats to say that he wasnt threatened to be involved in the aftermath of the murder.
Bearden needs a mistrial, new attorneys and ALL evidence put in front of the jury. The knife, the "grandma in TN", AND Angela Tyler. Period, its ALL evidence for the defense. Showing the BIG cover up with the Brown's and that Bearden was NOT in the car when the victim was attacked.

Rita,
Let's not bring up Obama in this discussion. It is off-topic – not everyone is happy he was elected and don't appreciate it always being thrown in our faces.

I would vote NG for Bearden. I believe someone else was with Bill Bill when he killed Ryan. I believe Bill Brown deserves the death penalty but I think this crime is being pinned on Bearden.

I hope Ryan Skippers gets justice but I think they have the wrong guy. I would hold out on this case for so long even if I was the last hold out. I would still vote "not guilty". There are some lesser charges that I might convict on though.

Come on people! Allow the truth to be known! What is our justice system coming to that truth may not be allowed in court???

I cannot believe this farce. I have watched many trials and this is and should be an embarassement for all involved! How in GOD'S name is eyewitness evidence not allowed. Mr. Bearden's legal team is a disgrace. The judge has declared himself the jury! The prosecutor could care less about the truth! This is a miscarriage of justice and truth because of very very bad representation. If i was a juror I would want to know about all the information we know and they don't. How do you think they will feel if they convict and find out about the witiness who spoke to Ray Ray and he told her that he was with his cousin when he murdered Ryan.

I truly believe that this sham of a trial should be redone in a professional manner.

I unfortunately haven't seen all of the testimony in this case, but I have serious doubts that the judge and prosecutor are acting in any way that they aren't supposed to. The Prosecutor is doing as he should and protecting the court record so that any verdict won't be overturned and the defense attorneys are trying to create a record so that it will be. That is what the adversarial system is all about.
As for the witness who won't be testifying, you are dealing with a lot of very difficult to understand hearsay rules. The court has to look at all of these rules (and there are a lot of them) and determine whether or not it is admissible.

but not for j. beardon, would ryan skipper be alive??? I guess that is the real question to be answered, but I do not believe that all the players are being held accountable

Many of the "reasonable doubt," and "poor representation" posts seem to be ignoring the law. It would not matter if the grandmother testified, or the knife was admitted. Beardon was part of a conspiracy that caused the murder. By law, he did not have to be present at the actual murder. His own words, which he claims to have said prior to the murder, about taking money from the proceeds of the robbery, are enough to make him part of the conspiracy that led to the murder. By law that makes him, as well as the other conspirators, guilty of the murder...

If Bearden knew that they were going to rob Ryan Skipper then he would also know that unless they killed him that he could identify them. In that case, when he admitted they were going to rob him, he then becomes part of the whole scenario when he brought him there in the 1st place.

How do we know whether or not he wasn't holding a knife on him from the beginning? I think they are all involved and share responsibility.

I would have to vote GUILTY.

The State of Florida has proven it's case against Bearden for Felony Murder. Bearden knew Skipper was to be robbed, by whomever, and particiapted in the Robbery when (1) he took Skipper to the residence of the Brown's, and (2) when, in his own words, told them to dod what they had to do, just as long as he got his cut of it. No one has ever contended that Bearden actually did the stabbing!...It's the Felony Murder Law.....The defense didnt help it's self out any when they put Sagely on the stand and she admitted that the defense investigators coached her on the relevent dates to remember, that she had no independent recollections of the dates this all took place. ....as to Tyler, she was (1) lying, or (2) confused, and it would have been obvious had she testified and would have probably hurt Bearden more than helped. Bearden is GUILTY of Felony Murder

It is the state's responsibility to prove Joseph Bearden is guilty of each individual charge beyond a reasonable doubt. On the main charge, for which he faces the death penalty, I strongly believe the state failed in doing so. I will be shocked if the jury comes back with a guilty verdict on the main charge. We all know the charges that Joseph Bearden is guilty of. He confesses to them himself and all evidence supports his words. For the individual on here that believes a finger print on the outside of the car, equals proof, remember that Joseph Bearden admits to being in the passenger side of the vehicle. Of course, his fingerprint would be on the outside of the car. This does not equal him taking part in the killing. People run on emotions, rather than facts when talking about this case. For those that believe the defense failed at their job, you do not know the law. My main example would be in their decision to not have the defendant testify. At the start of the trial they believed they would need his testimony to cooberate his taped statement. When a trial "goes your way" and you don't believe a defendant's testimony is needed, any smart lawyer would not have your defendant go up on the stand. It is a strategy that makes sense. The defense also did not "wait" to tell anyone about any of their witnesses. If you listened to the testimony of the PI, you would understand that witnesses were coming out at the last second. Their were no games played by the defense team. The prosecutor is known to play blame games and whine in the courtroom. It is his obvious style in the courtroom. I do hope justice prevails accordingly with the evidence. If you are a friend or loved one of the victim, I offer my sympathies, and can only say you are unable, with good reason, to see this case clearly through your eyes. You will always be biased in how you feel. It is understandable. Prayers for your healing are sent your way, and hopefully you will see the desired outcome in the upcoming William Brown case.

Just so everyone knows Joey is a good kid. ( why they call him james idk. his family and loved ones call him Joey.) He has had a hard road growing up. Things no child should have to go through. He lost his mother in 2005 and never got to be with her. Thats all that boy wanted was to be with his mother. God rest her soul. But she loves her children. she had 2. Joey the youngest. I am her best friend. So for her i want people to know this would have killed her. But knowing him the way i do i know in my heart he would have never hurt that man . God knows that to. I just felt someone who knows and loves their family as my own, i wanted to say i hope justice is found and they relize my JOEY didnt do this. God Bless

I'm sorry, the big Brown family cover-up? Geez. If you were from here, then you would know, this is not a rich family or one with any political influence. You think a bunch of meth addicts from Wahneta are so smart that they could snow the whole police department and the DA into believing that some "innocent" guy is the killer so that they can protect their own? You really don't have a clue what you are talking about. Look them up- all of them. They each have a long and extensive arrest history here in Polk County. They are career criminals and drug addicts- the accused and their witnesses alike. And you think that you could do a better job of discerning the truth from a bunch of liars? Let's not forget that we aren't trying people who have been, up until now, honest up-standing citizens.

I have to agree with Rob R. The difference between this case and the Hilton case are black and white. I admit I was not impressed with the DA in the HIlton case but she I think she was together and professional. These two attorneys are shocking. I can't blame the DA for getting upset with the defense attorneys. I believe the DA could have done a better job at controling his frustration but with the defense team I can't blame him. They were totally unprepared and disorganized. They had no clue what they were doing.

As far as the judge, he should have had better control over the attoneys. I think some of these people they got to testify were coached espically the lady today.

I don't believe any of the witnesses who testified. I think he was there and but far as him being the one who did the killing – not sure – but that's because of the evidence and the attorneys. If he is convicted I do see a 2nd trail on an incompetent defence attorney(s).

This case is a perfect example of what can happen to someone who gets mixed up with drugs the type of people you associate with and have to deal with in order to purchase your drug of choice.I am sure the young man that got murdered was hoping to purchase pot and was lured into what happened. And should be a lesson for all the people who want to legalize marijuana,and an example of problems that come with any type of drug purchasing.

Mr.Bearden is not guilty. They should prosecute all the Browns and that Marie girl in this trial. I believe he was not in the car at the time of the killing. I cant believe they held back the testemony about Ray Brown and Bill Bill Brown doing the killing. I believe that should of been brought into evidence. I declare a mistrial........

now the country sees how the justice system works in polk county fla . it's not about finding the guilty party it's all about winning the trail this kid is not guilty of the murder in fact i don't ever remember hearing the any evidence on Joe Beareden was ever found at the scene of the murder he's probably gulity of after the fact of trying to get rid of the goods As for the the way the judge and the DA have railroaded this kid is not right every time the defense try to bring in a witness to discredit the brown family the judge overuled them and the defense att. did ask for a mistrail yesterday and the judge didn't even respond or rule on the request for a mistrail this is embaressing to the cittzens of polk county fla. the DA has run this trail and the judge just let it happen . i wish i had been picked to be on this jury i could plainly see thru some of the witnesses let's hope the jury that was picked did see thru some of the testimony and come out with the right verdict not guilty of murder but gulity of fencing stolen goods .

Please, citizens of this wonderful USA, note that there are pockets of individuals who greatly threaten the freedom of us all. He is guilty of obstruction and should testify; however, the attorneys see that the prosecution has been unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he "murdered" anyone. As to the testimony of the young lady and the judge's comments that it was not relevant (taken out of context) in addition to the finding of the knife will probably only be heard and settled in a court of appeals if a conviction occurs. This jury has a job I would not want to be saddled with. And, PASCO COUNTY, FL, please clean up your act. We ARE our neighbors keepers.

i don't believe Bearden is the murderer,i think it was "Bill-Bill".i think "smiley" was only interested in drug money..."Bill-Bill" did it !!!!

shouldn't the crime prove the"hate", NOT the "hate" prove the crime. there seems to be more motivation to get a conviction for a terrible crime (and it was), than to make sure that they are convicting the correct person.

the victims, and advocacy groups, want this to be labeled a "hate" crime. it seems that the most compeling evidence of that is in the testimony of Angela Tyler. but they want to exclude it because it doesnt promote a conviction.

i think that the judge was incorrect in apllying the exceptions test. the police had a warrent for the other suspect, before turning their attention on this one. SEEMS like against interest. her testimony was also more in line with the autopsy, remember 19 stab wounds, remember "hate". the AUTOPSY, the only real non bias testimony. SEEMS like colaboration.

Even if Joseph Bearden didn't stab the victim those other people that did ,would have never come in contact with the victim if not for Joseph so he is guilty of at least manslaughter .

Joseph Bearden is INNOCENT to the murder! The whole court thing was ignorant. The judge-for MANY reasons-beyond beliefe, State of Florida- MANY reasons beyond beliefe also! & ALL the bickering brought on by the State of Florida...childish! If you viewed any of the taping, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about! Really, there is WAY TOO MUCH to put down on here!! In one word, short version...MISTRIAL!

Well the reason Joey's fingerprints were on the outside of the car is because he said he helped to clean the car(as I'm reading the transcript).So that's why his prints are on the outside.However that makes him guilty of getting rid of the goods.But not murder.The jury should not say guilty,they have no evidence.And I think when they have Bill Bill's trial,it'll all come out.Because they wont have Joey to pin this crime on,so who will be next?

Christopher, he is not charged with Conspiracy to Commit Murder. I do not believe Joseph new what the Browns were capable of. And I honestly believe, this young man was not present, when this brutal murder took place.

Wow! Florida sure is consistent in fouling things up!! Thank GOD there is not a voting system 2 calculate if one is guilty or not!!! How about a "CHAD" vote!!!

This judge is a joke of representation of what is fair and equal!! A capital murder trial should allow for "all" evidence 2 b heard and corroborated!! He throws out the idea of a possible murder weapon! He throws out the testimony of "Angela Tyler" cause of her not being credible!! He allows testimony of known meth users...how credible!! JOKE!!!

The prosecutor was more of a dictator without the authority 2 convict Bearden himself!! Ordering the judge "do this", "do that" and "u have 2 do this"!!!! JOKE!!

The defense was clueless 2 organization throughout the trial! Irresponsible tactics that didn't hold up let alone act as a bucket 2 hold water!! JOKE!!!

In short, there is no criminating evidence that Bearden did in fact contribute r solely act in the murder of poor Skipper! He is guilty of robbery without a doubt and his own ignorance of being responsible 2 make just decisions! Guilty 2 robbery and guilty of ignorance!! Florida should b its own country solely based on its on ignorance!!! I thought Kentucky was ignorant!

Congrats FL, on ur idiocy status and overall ranking of #1 incompetence and ur BCS championship!! Joke! Joke! Joke!

JOKE!!!!!!

Tomarrow,Friday,Feb.27,at this time,4;30PM,mr. Beardon will have been foynd guilty of the crime of first degree murder,and rightfully so ,even if he wasnt the one that delivered the fatal cut to the throat.He was there,he knew what was going to happen,or might happen,he helped cover up the crime,and in the penalty phase,only one or two bleeding heart individuals on the jury will keep him off death row.But that is OK,life in prison for this guy will be worse than death.Mr.Beardon,you better make an appointment with the artist to "TAT UP" cause if you feel that makes you tougher,your gonna need it .

lets try to get one thing straight about the knife, ive known Jeff Mann for years,there is no more stand up guy than he is. And if u knew the other people in this case u would understand. You cant belive a word out of their mouth. So when William Brown Sr. said he put a knife in the tree. Jeff never give it another thought just said "yea sure ".
and it was alot longer then 18 mouth's more like two to three yrs just like he told the deputies. It's not fare to bash him, he and his wife have spent their lives helping people and trying to only do good and to be drawen into this is just wrong.

If his 2 fingerprints on the car substantiate the reason for his being charged, then why arent all the rest charged...Ray-Ray. Even the Aguera family were part of it, after the fact. Why arent they all charged.

It seems to me that every one thinks that just because someone says something that is evedence. The knife was put in the tree years before the murder, mabe they took it down and used it and then put it back. People will say anything to get a little of attention. Judge by the facts that are given.

I believe that Mr. Bearden is the fall guy due to the fact of lack of evidence in this case. I believe that the prosecuting attorney knows that he has the wrong man on trial for murder with all of the evidence that has been presented in court. He also knows that the knife is a key role in this case and some of the witness in this case as well. In stead of asking for a miss trial or and acquittal he seems to aiming for a false conviction instead of doing the right thing. This the way that I believe with most of these prosecuting attorney in the state of Florida. Mr. Bearden in my belief should be charge with accessory after the fact.

Mr. Bearden did not get a fair trial. He looked scared and intimidated by those other thugs, including the sister Aguero. Rough people! This kid was so high on meth, he probably was present, or knew what the other brothers were up to. It was an all free for all but I do not think Bearden took part in the murder, cleaning the car yes, but then the neighbor testified that he was the Aguero sister cleaning the passengers side of the vehicle, the D. A. ran the court room, the judge too passive and did not control his Court until the very end but still, he ignored the weapon, ignored witnesses at the last minute, like hurry up and let's this get it over with! Not fair for 23 year old kid. And why the Brown thug is not going to trial until October? MISTRIAL, MISTRIAL, Jamie, help!

could you please explain to me,what is the difference between,consecutavly (spelled wrong),and concurrently in regards to the sentence

Bearden is serving 25 years for the act of murder he did not commit.
In prison he will be hurt severly almost daily. So you starting out with the wrong crowd has ruined his life forever. Even when he gets out AGAIN he wont get a fair shake at life.