Jury deliberates today in Florida murder trial

So far I have had a high opinion of the judge in this case. However in light of this new evidence ( the knife) not being further investigated I'm not so sure now. How can new evidence which could possibly prove or disprove the innocence of a man who could possibly be sent to death row be so casually tossed aside?

Relevance is the answer to this question; which, in my humble opinion cannot be answered yes/no. Should the Jury have been told about the knife? 1. Yes, if forensics showed it was the murder weapon and if the court awarded additional time for that to be processed and produced; 2. No, if the court did not award the additional time due to relevance to the issue at hand in this case and, especially, if forensics were unable to "match" the knife to the murder. This question will really be heard only on appeal.

Although I think the prosecutor did a good job in closing arguments – I still am not convinced that Joseph Bearden was at the scene when Ryan Skipper was murdered. I don't think I could convict him of first degree murder, much less give him the death penalty.

I think the jury should have been able to hear from Angela Tyler too. I found her the most coherent and most reliable out of all the civilian witnesses.

I hope Bill Brown gets the death penalty, Bearden gets convicted of a lesser charge and whoever was with Bill Brown – which I will refrain from naming but it is obvious – gets arrested and charged in this case.

Society is in danger with that nomad roaming around free.

Well the circus will possibly be ending today! I sure hope for the sake of Mr. Bearden he is found not guilty for the murder. He was involved in the events after the fact. It would be really interesting in the weapon found is in fact the murder weapon. This judge and the DA would have egg all over their faces! And then the witness that wasn't allow to be presented to the jury to hear I still feel the judge should be some consequence for this decision. The DA well he's on a fast track to get cases closed without throughly reviewing all the evidence presented to him. Why on earth was there not a continuence until all the new information could be investigated before just automacally stating there wouldn't be ANY evidence on the weapon. The judge must have a vacatioin planned and just wanted the case to be over!
The police in this case too have made grave errors as well. I just can't see why he's even being tride for the murder. Way to many holes in the testimonies given on ALL the DA's witnesses.

REASONABLE DOUBT, REASONABLE DOUBT!!!!!!!!!!!!

This seems really unbeleivable with regards to the knife. Doesn't the judge realize that ib the defendant is found guilty, the first thing that will be brought up on appeal will be the fact that he didn't allow this into evidence?

I pray the jury is honest and concerned for justice in this case. The state did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he is guilty. I want to believe in the justice system; however, the state prosecutor and judge in this case have made it hard for me to have that faith in our justice system.

Tear drop tattoos by the eye signifies the person sporting the tattoo has killed someone.

I think the jury instructions were too lengthy and too complicated. The state didn't satisfy the burden of guilt, especially for felony murder. Too many elements, players and lying witnesses tainted this sad case. I feel bad for the defendant. He also got caught up in a group of thugs and peer pressure may have taken hold.

all wittness should have had a "DRUG" test before taking the stand

The sad thing in this case is that the jury is deliberating with not all the evidence. I feel that this is an injustice....Another thing, the investigator for the Defense testified on the threat that Ray-Ray made to Angela Tyler, but does the jury even know who this woman is and what she had to say? The answer to that is, no, they have absolutely no clue that this woman even has to do with this case. I say APPEAL, APPEAL, APPEAL!

does the knife found be part of the next tria;l in the murder case in flordia

will the finding of the knife have any thing to do with the next trail of the murder case in fla.

I don't understand why anyone would think that this is a hate crime. It is a crime done by drug addicts. They probably didn't even know that they were going to kill this man until they did it. It is not like they met this man, found him to be gay and killed him because of it. I would have never convicted this man if he was brought to trial as killing bacause of hate. I wish the lady commenting on hate crimes would realise how wrong people feel that she is.

it"s so sad to see MR Skippers life end because of drugs and because of him being gay.The Skipper"s have lost a son for life no matter what even if Mr Bearden is convicted both have lost.

Only God knows? What about the perp(s)?!

hi
my heart goes out to the family of man that was murder.
i was joey greataunt that is before his mom gave him up.for adortion
and i have to say if they find him guilty then so be he should not had done it.and should not been friends with the other guy.so if you ask me they are both guilty. and i'm sorry to say it but thats how i feel

I think Joseph Bearden was in the wrong place at the wrong time, He looks to be a decent young man (in spite of his tattoo) who had little or no guidance, I pray for a good outcome for this man, I think he needs to be in drug Rehab and or invest his time better in choosing who he hangs out with, good luck Joesph.
Penny

I noticed today that Mr. Bearden is left handed. Is there any way that they can tell if the person doing the stabbing was right or left handed?

Perhaps the gay community should address the bible's admonition on homosexuality. In the interest of fairness the pundits such as
Lisa Bloom and Jami Floyd should cover and reveal the statistics of
gay on gay crime.

This case reeks of a hate crime,i.e. the overkill.Bearden's own sexuality may be questioned by Bearden.

If Joseph Bearden is found innocent I will have more faith in my fellow man to do the right thing and look beyond the exterior of someone and disregard the fact that they used to use drugs and consider the facts and the evidence. After hearing all of the testimony from all of the witnesses, I believe that Ray Brown and BIll-Bill murdered and robbed Ryan Skipper.

I think it is important to examine the murder weapon for fingerprinting and DNA testing and share that with the jury so that they have all of the evidence in this case. A man's life is on trial!

I very much agree with you on your opinion of the Atty. Byron Hileman. Also, I have watched Joseph closely. I have to say that he doesn't seem to be hiding anything, nor does he seem aloof and cocky.
My concerns: The tatoos should have been explained to the jury! I hope that one of the jurors has an idea and will explain to the others the reason for them. And 2nd: The knife. How can a possible key piece of evidence be omitted? Or for that matter sent to the lab? We are learning new things every day in the lab. This was a serious mistake by the judge. And, if convicted, I feel, MUST be reason for a retrial.

I am appalled that the new evidence about Ray Ray being with Bill Bill is not coming in. This might have cleared James Bearden. I hope the wrong man does not get found guilty.

Well I hope that Bearden is found giulty for the lesser charges of theft.
Murder has just not have been proven. Bearden does not deserve to die or spend the rest of his life in prison.

Rest in peace RYAN SKIPPER very sad his life was enden in the has of the BROWNS

Will anyone look at this young man? I honestly believe that he is being used by the others because of his size,easily bullied and pushed around.And why was not all of the evidence not allowed? If convicted I forsee trouble.

I also noticed he is left handed, but still there is no evidence that proves he murdered Ryan or participated. Maybe an accomplice in covering it up after the fact...but there is more evidence pointing to Ray Brown.

To the person who commented about his tatoo, I've done a lot of thinking I wonder if it's suppose to be something as to say he must always keep one eye open, to watch out for hisself at all times...?

I can't believe they are haveing a trail with out everyting. The prosecution didn't do their homework there well. The knife and the other people should of been able to tell what they know about this case. Who cares if it has been 2 yrs or not. That is why alot of insent people are behind bars. I myself don't believe he is there when this happened.

I feel that the Prosecutoring Attorney has ran this trail, the JUDGE, did not allow the Defence to have wittness testify, the Prosecutor Attorney, told the JUDGE, what should be allowed. I find that very sad, He may be guilty of trying to sell his car .But I truly believe that he had nothing to do with the Murder. the Judge and the Prosecutor have already decided he was guilty. the knife that was found and I believe should have been allowed to the Defence team , and the jury should be told about it and wait for DNA results. I never seen such a fast case to convict a person. this is not a fair trail for the Defence bev.

I have been a nurse for 24 yrs and have raised 3 boys from 28-13 and the tear tattoe that MR beardon has on his r eye represents to other gang members how many people he has killed! When they tattoe a tears on the L eye represents how many of their (homies) friends have died.

Well its sad to say but this is how the Polk County Judicial System works and the prosecutors are too much concerned about getting convictions and not looking at all the evidence or the truth. I think that Mr. Bearden is innocent and like someone said in an earlier comment, wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong crowd of people who he was at the time scared of. The State has not proved their case in my opinion and its sad that their letting the guilty ones go free which goes to show they don't care about getting at the real truth and convicting the real perps in the murder of Ryan Skipper. My heart goes out to his family and friends and its so sad that he died for no reason. I also feel that if Mr. Bearden gets convicted that it will be an injustice to him and I pray that God be with him and that justice be served on the right people.

Stop bringing up mr.bearden's new body art is this not the same as drilling Mr.skipper's sexual prefrence ? I personally agree Mr.bearden got the facial art due to force or protection I also with the P.I. jimmie check the brown family closer Mr.bearden if anything is quilty of tampering with evidence also probably due to fear of the Brown's

I was just wondering how someone gets a tattoo like that in a county jail with noone noticing, and why his atty didnt cover it up with make-up or something...

I think he should be acquitted, the evidence the proscetors put up stinks like (get someone for this crime) ...and this judge is not the sharpest Ive seen

This guy is the scapegoat! Anyone with an ounce of intelligence can see that. The Brown's are sticking up for one another and trying to pin it on Bearden. I don't think Bearden is an angel but seriously... The death penalty?

There is no proof he was there when Skipper was murdered. None. RayRay and Kurchoff (sp?) admitted to being in Skippers car too but their fingerprints weren't lifted but they both admitted to being in the car!

I am sorry but there is too much reasonable doubt here.. He's the fall guy - the patsy... ugh. I hope the jury does the right thing.

I tell you what, I don't know if he did it and I don't know if he didn't do it. Thats called reasonable doubt. I have been following this case closely and the knife could have gone either way. If it has his fingerprints on it he is guilty, If it doesn't then its even more reasonsable doubt. I think it actually hurts the prosecution more that this knife is not in the case. Their case is losing at the moment and if he gets a not guilty and his prints are found after the fact you cant charge him again. Double jeopardy...

Good luck Mr.bearden if you escape this choose your so called friends more carefully –R.I.P Ryan a vic of a horrible crime.

Also I wanted to add that Angela Tyler's testimony should have been allowed in! The jury should have been allowed to hear what she had to say.. what she said made sense.. she was coherent... RayRay threatened her.. Why? What does he have to hide?

I hope the Brown family gets everything they deserve for what they have done! I see pictures of Ryan Skipper and feel sick but justice would NOT be done if Bearden gets convicted and some other psycho is roaming around free... allowing him to hurt another person.

Well well I think the real defendant is william brown JR.
I mean NO blood was found on the defendant currently on trial but they found blood on mr.brown hummmm....
Thats the start of reasonable doubt!

I also think that the witnesses are NOT trustworthy I mean they were in the past admitted users of drugs being meth and weed. These drugs mess things up in your pain so how can you trust that testimoney. The REAL and only defendant that should be charged and tryed for first degree capital murder is WILLIAM BROWN JR.

The said thing is if the jury fails to see the lack of evidence then this poor 23 year old will be killed and with a death imposed you can't undo that when the defendants DEAD.
As for the "sticker" knife deal i think it should have been seen by the jury for the future trail of william brown JR.

Joseph Bearden is only 5' 3" tall, and at the time of intake in the Polk County Jail, he weighed a wopping 135 lbs., Joseph is not a young man of great statue. Is it possible that he has been bullied and pushed around all of his life? Absolutely. My heart is sad for the Skipper family, and it is also sad for Joseph, and his family. The wrong young man has been tried in this matter of murder. I hope that the family that A-D-O-P-T-E-D, (for the former great aunt), Joseph, that they don't give up hope, and that they stand with THEIR SON, through every battle that he may face.

I really think this young man Joseph Bearden is innocent. I think there has been enough evidence to prove he didn't do it. I think alot that should have been in front of the jurors was left out. How can this be a fair trial if the jurors don't hear it all????

While the crime is obviously horrendeous, I don't believe any of these guys targed the victim, Ryan Skipper, because he was a gay man. The need for money to fuel a drug habit set Mr. Skipper up for robbery. I believe the killing happened because one of the alleged perpetrators, Bill Brown Jr., had been allegedly brutally molested by his father. Whether a actual sexual advance was made, who can say, but in Bill Browns drug addled mind, Mr. Skipper became the outlet for years of hatred and anger towards his father.

After being very close to this trial for the last 2+ weeks, it would come as a true surprise if they the jury found him guilty of murder. Smiley is definitely guilty for taken Skipper to the resident of his killer but Skipper's dinner friend is just as guilty for giving him $40 to find grass. Alot will be based on Smiley's taped statement since it was very hard to know which meth head was telling the truth. Which ride to the gas station did Skipper really die.... what exactly happen between midnight and 2am... No prints on or in the car from RayRay, 2 on the outside for Smiley, a few on the inside for Chico, a couple more for BillBill, the rest were Skipper.... Wonder why there's doubt on who was in the car. Smiley is no doubt guilty for all the stuff after the death but there was nothing provided by the state that would place him at the scene of the stabbing.
Rush to justice... maybe, how hard is it to get phone records to validate Smiley's calls from JT phone around midnight trying to sell the laptop, or whether Maria (Cotton) call Deanna. What other things were missed by law enforcement during those search warrants?
The concern on the tattoos were initially wondering if the killing was gang related but with that not being the case, it really has no bearing other than showing what a puppet Smiley can be for others.
The jury has the difficult task with no real physical evidence to decide on people's word alone. If my vote counted, Smiley would not be guilty of murder but slammed hard for everything else.
And by popular demand....everyone wants Cotton to take the stand again....

I hope justice will be served today..and from all the comments made the majority feels that he is not guilty of murder – maybe an accessory after the fact.

The testimony of Angela Tyler should have been allowed seeing that the lady from the sheriff's office(forget her name) overheard the guy in the Court Hall saying that they wanted to **** up Angela Tyler why?? because she knows the deal.This was a crucial blow to the defense.

If Bearden is convicted then he should APPEAL...has grounds to appeal – evidence omitted.....knife, Tyler et al....

This to me is not a hate crime, more of the fact that everyone was doing drugs, Mr. Skipper new these people ,therefore at one time or another he must have done drugs with these people,He felt save enought to be with them . I do not belive this murder was done my th e Defendant,I trurly belive the JUDGE and the Prosecuter especially the JUDGE was is and truly unfair, and lthe JUDGE let the Prosecutor run him as far as evidence,for the Defence. chris

I don't believe either side, prosecution or defense, or the judge for that matter did their jobs. Too little evidence to proscute, not enough leg work on either side of gathering evidence. Thank heavens there are people watching court tv or the defense wouldn't have anything. Shame on the judge for not allowing Tylers statement. Like someone posted earlier... REASONABLE DOUBT.

Well they said the tattoo of the tear drop is because he lost a cousin that was very close to him while he has been in prison.Regardless,of well really anything other than maybe robbery,they cant find him guilty of murder(which of course in Florida mean death).There is just not enough evidence.Just looking at him,it will break my heart if they do find him guilty.It will show that the jury is going on love for Ryan(which we all are)however sending Joey to death is not right.At all.

IF THE JURY CONVICT'S HOW DO YOU THINK THEY WILL FEEL ABOUT ALL THEY DONT KNOW! I WOULD FEEL APPALLED!

As far as the tatoo issue, there are ways of getting tattoos in the county jail. And alot of times there is a blind eye to the tatooing that goes on. As, far as the defense team not covering them up, I think it was a way of showing they didn't have anything to hide, nor did Joseph.

Well I miss this morning instrution to the jury. But I think we are looking at a mistrail here. I fill sorry for Mr. Skipper family .Their so will never get to foefill his Dreams. As for Mr. Bearden my God be with him.I hope and pray that Mr. Ray Ray Brown is charge later on with this crime too.Some needed to make sure that the knife is brought in to evidenceat Bill Bill trial.Angela Tyler&thePI get to testify at BILL BiLL trial.GOOD LUCK JOE.

I think it is a gross misjudgment and injustice not to allow Angela Tyler to testify on behalf of Joseph Bearden.

In my opinion, the reason it took Angela Tyler two years to come forward is because she dated Ray Brown's brother for three years prior to the murder. She even stated that Ray Brown used to come visit her father. So obviously it was very painful for her to testify against Ray Brown. But she eventually came forward.

Jimmy Brantley Lull, the private investigator hired by the defense, who testify in the trial, was in the hall of the courthouse and heard Ray Brown making threatening statement toward Angela Tyler should she testify. Jimmy Brantley heard Ray Brown saying to Ryan Skipper's best friend that if Angela Tyler will testify, he will mess her or have her messed up.

Ryan's Skipper's best friend, who was sitting in the hall of the courthouse at the time, corroborated this same thing that the private investigator said during the trial. She told Jean Casarez that Ray Brown made threatening statement about Angela Tyler if she will testify.

I am hoping for a hung jury, so that there could be a retrial and we could find out more facts. Angela Tyler could supply us with some more facts and truth to what really happened. But unfortunately her testimony was not allowed in court.

If Joseph Bearden did not commit the crime, and was not there during the killing, he should not be falsely charged. Why did the prosecution not calling Ray Brown if he was in the house at the time. They called everybody else. Why did the judge not allowed Angela Tyler's testimony in the court. Isn't the truth more important to the state then making wrong conviction?

for the comment of if joseph adopted family will stand behind him.YES they will always stand behind him. They have been with him everyday of this trial. They are a wonderful and loving family. Joseph just got caught up with the wrong people....I have known this family all of my life.

If i was a juror and found out all of the evidence after the fact that was kept from the jury, I would feel betrayed!!

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that Tylers testimony was omitted. The Judge should be ashamed of himself, her testimony was critical to this trial. The jury had every right to hear what she had to say and if I was on that jury and eventually found out, after the fact, I would be extremely pissed off.

first on all lisa D joey was not raised in a drug world he has 2 great parents that have never done drugs in there life time so watch what you say about his family you don't know nothing about us. we adoptioned joey when he was 5 months old . We all felll in love with him the minute we saw joey. His real mother couldn' t raise him she was young herself. so please don't persume he is from a drug family. You know when kids grow up we can't say who they can and can't hang around when they leave the house.

Putting Jimmy Brantley on the stand near the end did nothing but add one more piece of useless redirection by the defense in an attempt to discredit RayRay who doesn't need much help in that area. No one within the jury knows who Angela Tyler was as she wasn't on anyone list nor given as evidence during the trial. Unless she was another meth head, her testimony might actually provide some substance to this circus of words.

The hate and misunderstanding in our society is so prevalent that even here there's hate against gays, hate against addicts, hate about tattoos, hate on so many levels that we all need to step back and look at our comments and the meanings in them. Just TRY to understand where your comments are coming from.

i agree with sherri, you have no idea who the BEARDEN FAMILY IS AND BY THE WAY IT IS BEARDEN NOT REARDENTHANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!! HIS ADOPTED FAMILY IS A LOVING AND CHURCH GOING FAMILY. JOEY GOT CAUGHT UP WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE. HIS FAMILY NEVER IN THERE LIFES HAVE DONE DRUGS. HIS MOM AND DAD AND BROTHER AND SISTER LOVE HIM AND ALWAY WILL LOVE HIM NOT MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS CASE. SO KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF (LISA D)

I hope they find him not guilty. I feel all the meth users are letting him take the fall. Cotton said she seen Joseph Bearden cleaning the car out with a sponge in his right hand.I
Why would a left handed man clean something with his right hand. My son is left handed and I have never seen him use his right hand to clean up stuff. .
He must of been scared of everyone,I bet he didn't want to be the next victim. The prosecutor didn't prove his case. Let the right man be hung here and it's not Joseph Bearden .

See now that ticks me off....I'M YELLIN HATE CRIME....LISA D....How dare you say something even close to that.Just because you see Joey or hear a little about this case and know that it has something to do with drug,your going to even attempt to make a NO CLASS remark like that.You dont know him from adam'a house cat.So who the heck are you to come off with some crazy crap like that.The man is a very good boy,just got mixed up into the wrong stuff.So dont act as if you know.Dont you dare.

I can see a lot of reasonable doubt in this case. A lot of holes in most of the testimonies not to mention the majority of them are having a such hard time remembering just because of all the drug abuse. I don't see how that makes them credible witnesses but okay....

And the tattoo on Mr Bearden is not a teardrop. It's supposed to be a flame. I've been watching coverage since Monday and they stated he was having a hard time in jail so he got tattoos to look more tough I assume. And the one on his neck is supposed to be a cobra....

well, i cant say if joey committed the murder or not. but i can say that the prosecution did not prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. i hope the jury look at the case very seriously. i think the judge should of let the tyler testimony adn murder weapon in. i think those decisions deprived joey of a fair trial, and violates his constitutional rights!!

To Sherri Joey was a great big hearted kid. I can see why the streets named him smiley I cant remeber seeing him with out one. He used to do alot of camping and church activities with my family. I haven t seen Joey in several years now, but I do know that a call of God is on his life and so here we are with the DEVIL trying to take him out.

I can`t believe bearden is being targeted when it's obvious there is more to the brown's christ you got P.I.jimmie overhearing ray threating tyler CMON the ink (art) has got to stop being an issue as well as skippers sexual prefrence bearden is not guilty of murder but probably evidence tampering -tryin to be a friend but his so called friends or at least ray is a free man come on what the h::: is happening now days hate crime NO!! tattoo so what leave these 2 issues alone and free bearden

GUILTY! GUILTY! GUILTY! BEARDEN MAY NOT HAVE WEILDED THE KNIFE, BUT HE WAS THERE WHEN RYAN WAS KILLED AND HE TOOK PLACE IN THE ROBBERY! DOES IT SEEM REASONABLE THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE CLEANING OUT A BLOODY CAR JUST TO HELP OUT A FELLOW DRUGGIE, WHO TURNS OUT TO BE SUCH A GOOD HOMEBOY THAT HE IMPLICATES YOU IN THE CRIME?
YEAH RIGHT!

Regarding the Knife that was not allowed in as evidence. Blood is highly corrosive. If that knife was covered in blood when stuck in the tree would it not most likely appear highly corroded as it appears? Seems like that is exactly what one would look like. I don't know which side this would help. but the thought crossed my mind..

Just because someone does drugs means you are raised in a bad family is far from untrue. You can be in a family of weath, full of love and still have someone additcted to drugs.
Yet, Joseph chose to do drugs for whatever reasons only made him pay for his mistake for being involved in the world of dope and with that you get drama and with drama there is always some kind of involvemnent of jail time.
I was pretty disappointed that the Judge wouldn't at least allow the knife to be tested for DNA regardless of the condition its was in at least ruleout wether it could be printed for DNA or not.

While I can understand the harsh criticism of Joseph Bearden's lawyer Mr. Hileman, I respectfully disagree that he did a bad job. He tried to get in everything in front of the jury that he could. Late developments happened (like RayRay threatening Angela Tyler in the hallway) and other things that he couldn't forsee (like that one grandmother in Tennessee who went AWOL). Those things were NOT his fault.

He made all the pleas to the court he could do and the judge denied those motions, but Hileman was smart enough to get it ALL on the record so if Bearden gets convicted – an appeals lawyer will have PLENTY to work with.

Personally I do not believe that Bearden knew really what was going to happen. I do NOT believe he was there when Ryan Skipper was murdered. I think Ray Brown Jr was there when Skipper was murdered.

I would vote NOT GUILTY on this one. There is no way I could vote guilty on the murder charges. He is definitely an accessory after the fact.

I think the guy was scared.. he is a tiny man... The Browns are intimidating people.. and Bearden was supposedly homeless.

This is getting pinned on Bearden because the Browns are all low-life losers protecting each other.

Sherri,

Are you "Joey"'s adoptive mother? If so, are you there each day? Is it true what the media said.. was he homeless? Why was he homeless anyway? Why was he sleeping on peoples driveways and stuff?

Would you guys not let him stay with you? I am just trying to sort out his background.. Why did his mother give him up for adoption? Was she a drug addict as well? Is that where he gets his struggles with addiction?

I would like to know more about him because we didn't get to hear much about him as a person during this trial. It was very short and the cast of characters that testified were all low-life scumbags.

How did Joey get involved with those people anyway?

Mr. Bearden's lawyer is an incompetent, ill-prepared, inept and bumbling attorney.

I am worried that Judge Hunter lost control of this lawyer and seemed to favor the state. Not allowing critical evidence is mind boggling to me – a man's life is at stake here!! Mr. Bearden would certainly be right to claim charges against both his lawyer and the judge should he be found guilty.

I am also worried what verdict the jury will reach – they haven't heard half of the evidence in this trial.

I have no idea what the outcome will be but I hope we will see a re-trial if Mr. Bearden is found guilty. Whether he is innocent or guilty I don't think he received a fair trial. All we can hope for is REASONABLE DOUBT

i think there is not enough evidence to convict joseph of murder. and to convict him would be injustice, the state has not shown beyond a resonable doubt that he commited the crime of murder. if he his convicted i would think he would stand a good chance of an appeal. the da seems to just want a conviction so he can close his case but what about the other guy? he looks guilty. i think if joseph is found guilty it would be another wrongful conviction. and it will show how our justice system is still messed up. give him his freedom.

The problem with the knife is it's in poor condition. The judge saw a picture of it and it's all rusted. The knife has been out in the elements for a few years now and I even question if it's the actual knife. All these last minute witness saying oh – I saw it on TV and put thing together is questionable given that they are almost all on drugs. I don't give any weight to any of their testominies.

Hello, Lisa D.

It kind of sounds to me like the pot calling the kettle black. Where has Joeys biological family been in all of this and who do you think introduced him to drugs in the first place. It was after he got to know them that he started doing them.

You do not know anything about his adopted family, who by the way has been there everyday and staying by his side through all of this. Where is any of his other family besides on the sidebar giving their opinions about someone they do not even know.

Why do we always have to call names or have words to say about people that we do not know. I hope that you never have anyone that gets into trouble and needs some kind words, you might not get them if all you give out is mean words.

You have a wonderfully blessed day.

The teardrop tattoo means someone you loved died while you were in prison.

The prosecution did prove he killed Mr. Skipper. Anybody that was innocent would testify in their own defense. He was supposed to testify
on his own behalf but changed his mind at the last minute. He is guilty
as the day is long and deserves the Death Penalty. The world will be
better off without him in the streets. Ryan Skipper deserves justice.
Guilty Guilty Guilty

With most of the prosecution witnesses being related either through blood, drugs, or both - I cannot see how anyone could take their testimony seriously. These meth-heads have been living amongst each other long enough for all of them to coordinate their stories. Yes - we all know that you are sworn to tell the truth when testifying, but given the fact that the witnesses, through their own words, have a general distrust of law enforcement and the law, in general (especially the Agueros), I don't believe a single word that came out of ANY of their mouths. I only hope that the jury can see through all of this.

Also, I believe that when the jury finds out about Angela's testimony and the discovery of the possible murder weapon, they will be astounded that they were never allowed to find out about either.

Bearden is a low level street punk who was a bad ass wannabe. He got involved with real bad asses, and the results are a dead innocent man. He will be found guilty of 1st degree felony murder and will spend the rest of his worthless life in jail, and if this 5'3" 135lb turd thinks that by tatooing his face will make him somehow come across as nobody to mess with in jail, he is sadly mistaken. The only downside to him being convicted, is that I as a Florida taxpayer will have to support this piece of human debris.

How can anyone say that Bearden is guilty when all there was, was half a trial!!! This reminds me of the O.J. trial, only difference is Beardens attorney puts his tail between his legs everytime the judge raises his voice. The judge lets all these goones that can`t remember what they said a half hour ago testify, but won`t let someone testify that wants to tell the truth. The judge is rushing this case but wasted two days or more trying to figure out what to tell the jury. Whatever the DA wanted to be said, thats what he said. I didn`t know the DA was the judges boss. I just hope that the jury figures out that they haven`t heard it all. I have to say that the Brown goones and that foul mouthed Maria are the ones that did all this. I really don`t think the DA has a conscience wanting to kill someone that`s not guilty!!!!!

Smiley not guilty of murder but accessory after the fact. that is all I hope and pray the jury does not find him guilty of 1st murder and sentence him to death, i could not. if they find him guilty of murder i would think they give him life w/o parole. I look at this defendant and i cannot help but feel sorry for him, yes even with the tat's. I cannot believe here in 2009 people would actually look at Tat.'s an say oh yea hes got to be guilty, if no tat.'s he looks like a sweet baby faced kid right look at his mug shot. Okay look at Casey Anthony-She is as guilty as anything but is a beautiful young woman, nice family, no drugs, but she murders her own baby girl. Joe has some tat.s on his face used some meth and hung around a bad bad crown so does that make him a murder?? i should hope the jury looks at the evidence in this case 2 fingerprints?? please– not guilty!!!

It sure is sad that this new evidence wasn't allowed for the jury's to hear. All they have to go on is what was said in court and for that he more than likely will be found guilty. I don't thik he is guilty. And if the jury was allowed to hear the new evidence they also would find him quilty. How in the world could the judge not allow all the witness. Yes he was mad cause it came in so late, but that is no reason to punish this young man. He deserves better than what he has been given. And his lawyer should have demanded a mistrial due to the judge not allowing this new evidence.

HE is GUILTY, maybe for not killing mr. skipper but he knew what was was going on..he helped clean the car (with blood all in side it) dah! seam like most of u on here saying he did nothing..BULL

Lisa D you have have no business talking about Joeys Family, you do not know them! and you know anything about them! I'll bet that you can't even speak the defendants Mothers Name. So how in the world are you going to say DRUG INFESTED FAIMLY! His parents have never done any sort of drugs and have been married over 20 years they are wonderful wonderful! And please don't make me sick talking about tattoo you know nothing about either!

Sheila, my apologies to Joseph, and his family and friends. I should have been clearer in my statement of not giving up hope, and standing behind Joseph. I know first hand about a son getting caught up with the wrong crowd. The situation he was in at times looked pretty hopeless and very dark. But, as his Momma I refused to give up hope, and I refused to let him stand alone, when others were ready to walk away, or not acknowledge him or the situation his was in at all. I honestly believe there is NO LOVE, like a Momma's for their child on this earth. We will go through the trenches with our babies, and fight the devil himself, when it comes down to it. I do not know his family or friends personally, but let me say, I will keep all of you in my prayers. God Bless.

WHOEVER KNOWS JOEY BEARDEN PLEASE GIVE US SOME INSIGHT OF WHO HE IS. I BELIEVE THAT MOST OF US AGREE THAT HE DID NOT DO THIS ACTUAL KILLING HOWEVER HE WAS WITH RYAN THAT NIGHT (THEFT PLAYS A BIG PART REGARDING JOEY) WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT HIM.

PLEASE HELP US UNDERSTAND WHO HE REALY IS.

Character is fate. Unfortunately for "smiley," his tainted character could easily have a detrimental affect on his defense, and ultimately on the jury's verdict.

this verdict is ouragous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A clear injustice!!!!!!!!!!!

this verdict is outragous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A clear injustice!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW THIS IS AWFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT FAIR AT ALL........ALL THE BROWNS BETTER BE LOOKED AT AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RAY BROWN IS THE PERSON WHO SHOULD BE IN JOEYS SEAT!!!

UNJUST!!!! this young man's life is ruined due to helping so called family very unfair. mr.brown will get the death sentence sorry for your outcome j.bearden (smiley) -–R.I.P ryan

I am just heartbroken,yeah 2nd degree his life is saved.However..They did him wrong,they are the ones who have not allowed testimonies or whatever.Now he'll spend a good bit of time in prison.For something he didn't do.It's not right,no matter what.My heart goes out to him.Then on top of that the judge wouldn't even allow him to address the court.I hope they get an appeal and then it'll all change.I am so happy that his life as been spared,however I feel that he was not giving a fair trial.

Well, the verdict is in and as alot of us thought, he got screwed!!!! That prosecution attorney had a big smile on his face like he was enjoying every minute of it too. How can someone be so ruthless?? One comment on here stated that we think he did nothing at all, and that`s not it at all. There were so many liars testifying, it`s not even funny. The truth came out that Maria was one cleaning blood out of that car and not Joe. That whole bunch of doper goones were lying about the whole thing just to protect trailer trash Bill-Bill. Hopefully they will give him the MAX.

I feel terrible, I hope he has angels watching over him. Both Ryan and J. Bearden are victims. One is dead, one is dead in spirit.

I just watched Joey's sentencing.I have never had a feeling of I dont know,as if I've been kicked in the chest.Life,no parole.I mean why not just kill him.They pretty much have.I blame the defence,the judge(who is a joke).As Joey cries and poors his heart out.Judge Hunter pretty much spits in his face.I dont know why,why is this happening.My heart breaks.This was not justice,at all.Nor will it ever be.They let a kill leave the court house.And that's Ray Allen Brown.

Bonnie you got that right But don't worry guys Joey will be back with an appeal and by that time I hope they have all these people who really did the murder and was there sitting in a courtroom waiting for there trial:-)
Joey is a wonderful person, he loves people and he loved life he would have never hurt anyone like this and like Joey said himself he wouldnt had even taking Ryan there if he even thought The Browns were going to kill him.
I pray when he has a retrial he has a judge that has a heart who dosent already have him viewed as quilty before he walks into his courtroom.
Thank You to the ones behind and supporting is Beardens:)

Something I dont understand. Seems this is a small community,at least not a large city,this all took place.If the local law enforcement knew of this "drug house" and activities going on with this group of tweekers,why didnt they bust them before this took place.Anyone in law enforcement knows if meth users and dealers are allowed to do their business unchecked,its like a ticking timebomb waiting to explode,and something is going to happen.And probley to some innocent party.Like what happened here. "Smiley" isnt gonna be smiling for many years,when he is convicted of murder.But in an indirect sort of way,if I were a family member of the victim,I would also be upset and asking questions to law enforcement to why these drug dealers were going unchecked .