Joseph Bearden guilty of murder

that,s too bad!!

I feel so sad for Joe Bearden. God bless him.

that's a shame....i am really disappointed in the judicial system...what are the jurors thinking????Mr. Bearden did not commit this crime,although i do believe he played a big part in it by being there and taking Mr. Skipper to that residence and getting him involved with the Brown family...he did not participate in his death...hopefully,there will be an appeal.i will be following this case.

why is it too bad? holy moly.

UFF DA, I hope we see Mr. Bearden in a new trial. A trial with some evidence as to his participation in the murder.

I agree – he should NOT have been found guilty!! I pray there is an appeal!!!!

I'm 'DISGUSTED!!!' with this jury! They believed a bunch of thugs that Beardon was in the car. I think that many times Juries are way too quick to convict. They feel like they need to do something for the victim at the expense of an innocent defendant. As disgusted as I am with the jury I am much more disgusted with the system. The jury should have been able to hear the testimony of Angela Tyler. I will always wonder if the jury would stil have come back with a guilty verdict if they were able to hear what she had to say. She risked her life to give that testimony. I believed her! Jury should be ashamed!

Are you kidding me? The kid is a punk. The jury gave him a big break by only finding him guilty of 2nd degree murder. He may not have stabbed Mr. Skipper to death, but there is no doubt in my mind that he set him up which lead to his murder. Bearden got off lucky in my book.

This is rediculous! Whatever happened to reasonable doubt!?

Did you guys hear him say "What a waste of tears'? He put on a good act. Because after that is was all smiles and grins. But I do think he's right the true killer has walked free. But I do agree that he was involved more than he's letting on.

Was just watching the sentencing online. I don't think he is guilty of murder, but he is def. not remorseful. He can be heard saying "tears for nothing...all them tears for nothing." He is pissed I'm sure, but I don't think he cares Ryan is dead. I think Life is harsh for him since he didn't even murder anyone, or at least there was NO proof. OJ walked free, this kid gets life. That's our justice system.

I'm sick,sick.He'll prolly get life.All because the court did him wrong.I'll never forget his face,seeing him cry.Oh gosh,I hate it for both sides.No matter what,Ryans family will never get closure.I hate this,I've never had something bother me so bad.Bless his heart,I'll call his name out to the Lord.And hope the real guy will be caught.Maybe right now it's for the better,as crazy as Ray Ray is,had Joey gotten out there's no telling,so it's not over.I know it's not.Shame on the judge for not allowing testimonies and other things to be known.I'm wondering how the jury will react to everything we know that they didn't.GOD HELP THEM

my tv is not picking up signal right now
anyone out there get the sentencing yet on the Bearden trial??

This poor kid got screwed! His actions after the crime were not okay but I truly believe he did not know what was going to happen to Skipper nor did he have any part in the murder. I hope ALL the evidence comes out in the appeal and he has a second chance to turn his life around.

I think some those jurors are gonna have a hard time sleeping after they actually hear all that was hidden from them.

60 years to run consecutively

I think the jury got it wrong shame on them.

That sucks. The jury didn't hear all the evidence that the defense wanted to share. Shame on the judge.

Let's just hope that the appeals process works for him instead. There are a ton of issues justifying an appeal in this case. I agree with those that suggest that the judge was in a rush to get the case resolved. It seemed as if he was more concerned with the jury's time than he was with having a fair trial. I guess he's one of the few judges that don't mind his rulings being overturned on appeal. I am also wondering if any of the jury members will change their mind after finding out what information was withheld from them. So much of the testimony was inconsistant that I don't understand how the jury was able to determine anything beyond a reasonable doubt. No matter what one may FEEL about his guilt or innocence, the law requires evidence to prove it. And there was just no clear evidence to convict him except for tampering after the fact.

Yeah, it's too bad...too bad he didn't have the common sense to stay on the right side of the law.

I am very disappointed in the jurors.But didn't expect him to go scott free.Hopefully he will get a new trail.I only think that he was involve with trying to help sell the car &computer.Maybe down the road the hold true will come out .An Mr.RayRay Brown will be doing the time that he wish on Joe.GOD BLESS you JOE and KEEP ypu Save Until you get your new trail. Rob

I think he had something to do with it... But I don't think he actually did it.... I would have agreed with felony murder.... I think we will see an appeal.
If I was the lawyer in this case I would have altured the tattoo to look like something else like the sun or something.... Abd there are GREAT tattoo cover ups that could have been use.... Shame on the defense for allowing him to look like that...but.... Justice is served.... Just not properly!

My heart goes out to that young man, and if the jury had heard the testimony that wasn't allowed in, they would of probably had a different verdict. I'm appalled at the justice system and the judge who knew about this testimony and still sentenced him to the maximum. I am praying for that young man as I am the victims family because justice definitely was not done here and the other accomplice is walking the streets as a free man!! Hopefully Joseph prays that God will have the whole truth come out and be on his side because thats all who can help him right now. God Bless you Mr. Bearden

I think the jury got it right with the evidence they had presented to them. He is guilty because he set Ryan Skipper up for the robbery and knew it was going to happen. He may not have participated in the actual murder but he certainly knew that harm could come to the victim and did nothing to stop it.

The justice system does need to prosecute all who were involved and hopefully that will happen. The old saying "birds of a feather flock together" applies to this situation. All of them are hardcore criminals and all will either end up in jail or dead–that's their way of life.

I think he was guilty of the cleaning of the vehicle but i don't believe he is guilty of murder or of being there when it happened. I think the jurors wanted their weekend and were sick of just being there. How convienient!

if he had something do with it no matter how small and he could have stopped it and did nothing to stop it then he issss guilty of second degree murder. i wonder how cocky the admitted drug user feels now. if your are going to play with fire then expect to be burned and he did and was. he has no one to blame but himself.

What's too bad? That a drug addicted murder will go to jail. What really sent him to jail was the choices he made. If you want to know the character of a man watch who he walks with.

I am surprised that the jury came to this conclusion. I do not think that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt of Mr. Bearden's guilt in this crime despite my own personal feelings towards the matter.
I do agree with the judge saying that Mr. Bearden has more knowledge than he has claimed, though. I also was not impressed by Mr. Bearden's behavior and comments before and after his sentencing. He needed to suck it up and take it like a man, rather than resorting to juvenile behavior by running his mouth.
I am so very sorry for Ryan Skipper's family and friends. This story has bothered me for a very long time. The obvious "overkill" is very disturbing.
I also want to say that I agree with someone named Angie who posted earlier today about Ashleigh Banfield. Her comments during this trial and during other trials I have followed are very tacky and unprofessional. I watch Banfield and Ford pretty much on a daily basis, and there are more times than not that I feel she should think before she speaks. She's no better than anyone else. We all have our own lives to lead and ways in which we lead them. It is not up to her to put people down (as she does so often) for the way in which we "outsiders" live our lives.

This guy is dangeous. He needs to be kept out of public contact. The jury got it right.

What a travesty of justice! The jurors just didn't understand the judge's instructions and directions. I believe Bearden's guilty of participation in some of the charges but he's not guilty, in my opinion, of murder.

Although I think he is guilty I think his lawyers were terrible, terrible, terrible and he did not stand a chance. I only hope he gets an appeal and is assigned different lawyers.

I'm disappointed again in the justice system. There was no evidence produced that Joseph Bearden had anything to do with the murder. Testimony that could have exonerated him was not allowed in. Threats by Ray Brown against a witness was discussed outside the jury's presence. I believe the jury decided Bearden's fate based on the way he looked , his addiction to meth, and his inability to convey his thoughts and actions clearly. If the jury had been allowed to hear the testimony of Angela Tyler and Mr. Stone the verdict would have been accessory after the fact and theft-not 2nd degree murder. I hope this verdict is overturned on appeal. Joe Bearden did not get a fair trial.

I HOPE THIS CONVICTION GETS THROWN OUT. THERE ARE TOO MANY HOLES IN THIS CASE.

This is justice.

This freak of nature deserves to be locked up. His disregard for life is detremental to the peace, and the safety of the community.

How dumb could he be to get that tattoo of a dagger on his face knowing he had a trial coming up. I bet the farm that had an impact on the decision of the jury.

Im sure that most of these people would reconsider if he moved in nextdoor or started dating their daughter.

somewhere in this country, someone just got a new lease on life because this guy will be stuck in prison is whole life and not able to commit a crime against that poor unsuspecting person.

he shouldnt have put himself in this situation the life he was living he was bound to do something like this now he will have his entire life to think about it and then will see how tough he is in prision he can now replace the tatoos with real tears he screwed up may the appeal cout will see it different but not likely.

Too bad?? So sad?? New trial?? This kid is a punk- he had the opportunity to testify, and chose not to. Figured the prosecutor would eat him alive, and he didn't EVEN want to go there trying to explain the tatoos. He participated in it by driving the car that HE & his fellow punkster STOLE. Glad you idiots, and your personal sympathetic feelings,were not on the jury. By the way, it's kind of funny that he did not shed a tear until he found out that he is going to be incarcerated for the rest of his life.

i hope that beardens attorney appeals the conviction on grounds that tyler was not allowed to testify and the jury was not made aware of the knife that was found. i hope they reverse his conviction.

I watched this from day one of being broadcast and I agree. I feel as it William Brown and one of the prosecution witnesses were 100% involved in this crime. I would agree with a charge of possible evidence tampering after the fact and possible receiving of stolen goods, but not this!

I smell an Appeal! I feel as if his defense team didn't touch on certain key factors in placing the guilt upon others and off of their client!

He was guilty. If you don’t think he was. why don’t you invite someone like him home with you. You guys always run the Defense Case. Let me see-How many other Excuses for some one else did but not this person. that goes from the trails to the Appeals conversations you have. If you love them- You like him-But want to hang Bill up a tree. If you guys was witnesses to these crimes and all the others- why didn’t you call 911!

I fear Court TV's detailed explanation of the Common Law principal (accepted now for centuries) of how participation in a felony which leads to murder, brings the charge of murder against all involved whether they did the killing or not was lost on some of the posters here.

The Jury came to believe and I myself believe the evidence supporter their conclusion that Mr Bearden participated in the plan to rob (a felony) Mr Skipper and the robbery of him(ditto) even though he did not do the actual stabbing.

I dont agree with that verdict , i watch that whole trial, i do believe that he may have had a part in the theft or the car but not the murder, and why did the judge not let the tesimonies of those witnesses and the wepon found, there is something very wrong with this case,

DeDe from Canada

WOW. I can't believe it. He is not going to make it in prison. How frightening. I suspect the Brown family put ideas in Joeseph's head before he spoke with the police (of what to say). I bet they made him believe they cared about him....horrible people. What a tragedy that he got mixed up with that miserable family and their associates which trickled through to poor Mr. Skipper.

I saw that he got life in prison. I am so ashamed of the judicial system in florida. I hope he gets a new trial where all the evidence is allowed to be brought in. I agree with some of the charges he was convicted of, but not the second-degree murder charge! I cannot believe this judge gave him life!

I think the Browns all were involved and more than just Bill Bill and Joe should go to jail for what they did to this young man. I think Bill Bill did the murder., but they all are involved. If you run with trash you get taken out with the trash.

I don't understand how the jurors found him guilty of second degree murder. I feel terrible for him. The verdict makes no sense.

mr beardon got the right punishment that fit the crime he helped bill bill in the crime one way or the other because they were doped up and can not remember what they did so the punishment is right.

WOW!! I am really surprised!! I did not feel that there was strong enough evidence to convict him of murder!! THEY SHOULD HAVE COVERED THOSE TATOOS!! I am a make-up artist and it CAN be done!! The majority of the jurors were southern women and then you have the preacher as a forman... poor guy... should have covered those jail-house tats!!!

I too agree that I do not think he should have received this sentence. I hope he gets a new trial. I have been following this case from star to finish and there was no way he should have received life in prison when he did not actually commit the crime

After watching the jury state there verdict….I have to admit that I felt a great deal of sadness, yet I was not surprised with the outcome. The jury based there decision on facts they were ALLOWED to hear and nothing more. Very sad.

The first time I had seen Mr. Joseph Bearden sitting in the court room, I screamed GUILTY AS CHARGED! I feel horrible about that now. As the trial began to unfold, it became very clear to me that Mr. Joseph Bearden did not actually stab Ryan Skipper to death. I also believe from the actual evidence submitted (or the evidence the judge allowed) DID NOT prove “Beyond a reasonable doubt.” that Mr. Bearden was even in the car while this horrific act was taken place. I am merely going by the evidence that was submitted.

Mr. Bearden had admitted to being in the car and even helping clean the car out to sell or trade for drugs. That was not a secret to anyone. However, if a friend or acquaintance came up to me and said I need your help because I just killed this kid( I’m not good with street slang ;0))……..I would take that as a threat; in fear he would do the same to me. I am not dismissing Mr. Bearden’s actions for I believe, from what I had seen, he lead a very destructive life style. Without question he should be held accountable for the actual crime(s) he committed. I do not believe, from the evidence submitted, he should be charged for the murder of Mr. Ryan Skipper.

My heart goes out to both families!

It breaks my heart that Joesph Bearden was found guilty I honestly think that he is innocent of the murder and that he is taking the fall for Bill Brown's cousin Ray Brown. My heart goes out to Joesph Beaden and his family. God Bless

he's as guilty as anybody that was in on it, either before during or after .they did it because they thought he was an easy prey. now he get to be preyed upon cause when you get to the big house those tattoo's are not going to keep him safe from those guys. May Skipper Rest in Peace and His Family as Well!!!

I felt that the verdict, and sentencing, were just. Bearden might not have wielded the knife, but he was part of the conspiracy for the robbery which led to the victim's murder, from which it had previously been agreed that all of the conspirators would monetarily profit. The sentencing hearing was compelling. Though Bearden might have cried when his "mother" spoke of his birth mother's sad life and death, when it came time for him to speak in his defense, or ask for mercy, he came off as a nasty career criminal type. I was appalled that he was smiling for quite a time at the door, before leaving the court room. There is no doubt in my mind, that as the judge said, Bearden had more to do with the crimes than he admitted. I'm not going to address the gay aspect of the case, because it is not necessary to prove Bearden's culpabilty. These meth users conspired to rob the victim, and all knew that they could not let him be able to identify them. Since Bearden was given a Life Sentence, does anyone know what that means in Florida as far as how much time he will actually have to serve before being eligible for parole? Many of us have had traumatic childhoods, but have made more positive life choices than Bearden did. His attorney's were laughable when they tried to show what a good guy Bearden is, because his priors were not as serious as the counts that he was convicted of in this case.

Joseph Bearden got what he deserved. I can't believe that you all feel sorry for him!! He said himself he didn't feel sorry that Ryan was dead because he was just a faggot. Anyone who would say such a comment doesn't get pitty in my eyes. I feel bad for Ryan's parents whom I am very close to. This is a tragedy.....

I'm wondering if the testimony from Angela Tyler being withheld from the jury will help on appeal..probably not though. I am not surprised with this verdict. I hope this kid doesn't get life, with all the growing up he has to do. He will realize that being one of the 'homeboys' only leads harder times.
For the Skipper family, how horrible this must be, I don't see a connection here between Joseph Bearden and Ryan Skipper..then again maybe there was a bigger connection and Joseph didn't want that revealed...
very sad

I do not believe in the death penalty for 2 reasons, 1 only God hass the authority to take someones life, 2) Death is the easy way out let that person suffer in prison for the rest of their life being haunted everyday of the heinous crime they committed. Mr. Beard didn't commit the murder or assist in it but on the other hand he did nothing after he found out about it and went as far as to try and sell Mr. Skippers car. May the Lord bless his soul.

I had different feelings about this trial. I dont think there should of been such a high charge but some charge. Its because of what Beardon said on the tape to the police. I didnt like it. So i feel he did participate in something. That is my opinion. Paula

I do hope Bearden recieves his Appeal beofre the normal 2 years. All the evidence needs to be present! .... What about "Ray-Ray", why is he not charged? When 'Smiley' brought Skipper to the Browns, I do not think he had a clue what the near future held for Ryan. I think when Ryan was gone with Ray-Ray & Bill-Bill, this is when, in the spur-of-the-moment, a decision was made to end Ryan Skipper's life. I absolutely believe that Joe Bearden (Smiley) had nothing to do with this. When the Brown cousins came back with the car, w/o Ryan, that is when Bearden, if at all, could be an accessory after-the-fact. But, to be Guilty of Murder, NO WAY, I say! .... It "IS" quite a shame and a terrible loss of life for a young 24 year old man who had his whole life ahead of him. Very sad. However, finding a man innocent of charges given, guilty of murder, is not the answer.

I hope his attonery appeal. I listened and would have charge him with second degree murder. There was no evidence. Now, I do believe he took apart after the fact with accessory and trying to sale the vechile.

I think it is a fair decision. It could not be proven without doubt that he did actually it – but he is certainly responsible for Mr. Skipper being around this group of rogues. It is so sad that people think that they can just kill someone for a fix and this be their way of life. I missed his sentence??

I dont agree with the verdict but i think he did have some involement with this. Its because i heard him on tape and that told me right away. And what some of the people said. That is my opinion. I think there should of been a lesser charge. Paula

God Bless,Joe Beardon–what about Blessing Ryan Skipper ??–yes this can be appealed,and please no more tattos,he is a good looking kid and sincerly do wish him blessing but the choices he made......who wins ...no one

I am suprised at the verdict. I am very happy that it wasn't 1st degree. I do not think he had anything to do with the murder. He is just guilty by association. Some of the witnesses that testifyed have more guilt that Mr. Bearden. I hope he gets a new trial.

I think the jury made an excellent judgement. Mr. Bearden has needs that would not be provided in our society. The public needs to move about in society safely. I think the jury was very kind to him.

I think that the jury should of heard all evidence in this case. I thought that the whole purpose of having a jury is so they can determine what evidences is irrelevant or not . They should of known about the knife being found and where the knife was found and they should of heard the testimony of Angela Tyler. Now because of the lack of all evidence not heard by the juror I think and innocent man is now going to spend the rest of his life in prison for something I believe someone else did.

i feel sick to my stomach. i am scared of the justice system. even though he should do some time for the robbery of the crime, but to give him life for the murder of Mr. Skipper is insane. this jury is on drugs i dont know what they had to convict this man with murder but i would love to hear from them as to how they came to the conclusion as to what evedience they saw. i will pray for him and mr. Skipper. as for ray allen brown what the hell is he doing walking around he said he was in the car Mr Bearden said the same thing and witnesses say they saw ray allen brown why is he not in jail for murder? because his prints are not in the car or outside well joesph's prints were in the outside. how does that make it murder for mr.bearden but not ray brown?

I AGREE. After watching the entire trial I just dont see the evidence of his guilt. I must add that had the judge not disallowed testimony of Angela, and the jury knew what we know about Ray brown , Bearden would be free today!

Ray Brown is the guilty party here!

From some of your comments, it looks as if many viewers need a refresher course on the "law." Mr Bearden didn't have to actually stab the decedent in order to be found guilty of murder. And Mr. Marsh, what in the world do you mean by "he played a big part......but yet didn't participate." When I read comments such as these, I often think that the judicial system might be better off to have bench trials rather than by a jury of your peers;then the defendant would stand a chance of being judged by an intelligent, educated jurist. David

I AM SAD THAT THIS JURY CAME TO GUILTY AS I DONT THINK HE KILLED ANY HE IS
GUILTY OF RUNNING WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE AND USEING DRUGS AND THE JURY DID NOT HEAR THINGS THAT ALL HAD THE WRIGHT TO KNOW THIS IS SAD . HIS LIFE IS OVER NOW IWISH HJM THE BEST AS I THINK HE GOT A WRONG VERDICT . CAN ANY ONE WRITE MR BEARDEN AND IF SO CAN YOU GIVE THE ADDRESS . IM 61 AND I HAVE A SON DOING 10 YEARS AND HE TELLS ME MAIL HELPS DOING YOUR TIME.

Justice prevailed. In the United States you do not get to participate in stabbing soemone about 17 times and slicing their throat. It is even worse when your motivation for doing so is fueled by ignorance and hate. Add to this the fact he has the audacity to tatoo himself with a tear drop – the badge of honor among thungs for taking a life. Hopefully the sentence will fit the crime and Mr. Bearden will suffer the same fate he has caused for an innocent young man – Death.

For those who want more evidence, you don't get any. There was ample evidence of Mr. Bearden's involvement present at trial. Let's not fool ourselves by feeling sorry for this hateful person and murder. Let us not waste another dime on cour fees to spare the life of somone who doesn't value life himself.

This is tough because we as views were able to see and hear things that the jury could not. I really do believe he played a big part in this but I don't believe Joseph actually committed this murder. I too hope he gets another trial and I hope they allow more evidence such as the knife and Angela Taylor.

this guy got what he deserved,what about the victim in all this, were's his rights..this little a...hole had it coming he should consider himself lucky he was spared the death penalty.i have read his rap sheet his crimes through the years have gone from minor offence's to this.he is a career criminal and belongs behind bar's.....

I feel terrible for Joe Bearden....

Justice has been done! I thank the members of the jury for their right decision.

Good he got what was coming to him I fell bad for the Skipper Family

I feel that he should of gotten a lesser charge. But I believe he did do something. Its because of what he said on tape to police. But I guess now its all over. Now I do feel bad for the Skipper family. They lost a very young boy. And what I heard he seemed like a good young man. He didn't deserve this.
Paula

This is so wrong! I feel so sorry for both familys. The judge should have let all the evidence be seen by the jury. I really think they would have came back with a not guilty if the seen it.
I hope Mr.Bearden keep his head up and he will get a new trial.
I HOPE THAT WILL SHOW HE IS NOT GUILTY!!

I don't feel that this young man had a fair trial. After watching this the past few weeks, I could not make a guilty decision. There definately was reasonable doubt present, in my opinion. I do hope his attorney will ask for a new trial since the charge of 2nd degree murder is questionable and I wonder how the jurors came to this conclusion. Please appeal this verdict!!!

I feel really sad for the victims family . I think the justice system cheated them today. I don't believe Bearden helped with the murder. Convicting him helped others get away with it. I do believe he should have to serve time for his part in covering up the crime and stolen property. I hope to see justice and more arrest made. Everyone involved should pay don't just settle with the easiest to convict.

From what I saw of trial coverage, there appeared to be enough aggrivating factors for a First Degree conviction.

Too bad? Is this sarcastic? He helped set up the robbery. He told the cops he expected to gain $5 or $10 from the robbery. He helped washed away the blood from the car. The best defense he had was to point out the witness saw the sponge in his right hand. Bearden is left handed so I guess the point was men only wash cars with one arm. Therefore he was a willing participant in a robbery that turned to a murder.

Has anyone heard what sentence was imposed?

WELL HE GOT WHAT HE LIVE FOR AND NOW HE HAS TO PAY THE PRICE IF IT ANOTHER TRIAL I HOPE THEY FIND HIM GUILTY TO.

I am very happy with the verdict ..Just because mr bearden shed a tear after hearing he was guilty. .Imagine the fear and terrror that Mr Ski[[er experienced prior to his death.. The.jury did an excellent job

This is really sad. I know some people think that it does not matter because he was a menace anyway, but he should not have to pay for something that I truly believe he did not do. Hopefully they can appeal it!!!

this guy got railroaded by cops ,,,meth heads and da who really didn`t have any evidence on him except the family who`ll lie together may stay togther

Talk about the night the lights went out in Florida!!!

If sentencing was at 330 est today, why is there no announcement about the sentencing??

JOSEPH DID'NT GET A FAIR TRIAL....

The tatoo on the face sure didn't help!

This Is Outrageous! How Can A Jury Convict A Man Without Any Evidence? Sure,he May Be Guilty Of Being Involved On Some Level,but,not Of Murder! There Better Be An Appeal!

I don't think that Joseph Bearden was involved in the murder. I, like Bobbi Marsh, think that it was a mistake on his part to get him involved with the Brown family but do I think Joseph was involved in the actual murder? Absolutely not! Hopefully they will win an appeal and can bring in some of the information that was not allowed this week.

Does Anyone Know What The Decision Was For Sentencing?

Equal party to a brutal felony, equal party to a murder. One less meth head on the streets. " Well done " to the jury.

JB got life for a crime he didn't commit. What do you think RayRay or BillBill willwill getget? That is too bad. I wanted him to found no guilty

As a criminal justice student I am appauled that this jury found him guilty. I can not see where there was any evidence liking him to the murder itself, I am so distraught about this verdict. I feel so bad for Joseph Bearden. I hope that his attorneys appeal. No one has recieved any justice today.

When is Bill-Bills trial going to happen? Anyone know??

I have followed the trial of J. Bearden from day one and do not feel the state was able to prove the allegations of murder beyond a reasonable doubt. I find it crazy that the members of the jury were able to find him guilty. I hope that when they lie down at night to go to sleep and those four walls start to cave in on them that they realize what they done, that they covicted the wrong person. Now I don't feel he was 100% innocent of all crimes but I don't not feel he had any involment in the murder of Ryan Skipper. God bless the Skippers and of course the Beardens. I hope to see him file an appeal and that justice is finally played out. I'm starting to loose faith in our system.

Mr. Bearden played a part in the Murder of Mr. Skipper by the mere fact that he brought Mr. Skipper to the Brown residence and suggested the Robbery. In Fla. if you act as Mr. Bearden did you are as guilty of Murder as much as the actual killer did. I applaud the Jury for following the law.

I feel really sad for Joesph.

I feel sorry for Joe Bearden, I truly believe he is not a murderer...he was doing what he knew, yes the other charges are his, but 2nd degree murder is a bit extensive.....

WOW really?! Thats is very sad and I also believe that he didnt kill him. I 2nd this comment as well Mr.marsh "Mr. Bearden did not commit this crime,although i do believe he played a big part in it by being there and taking Mr. Skipper to that residence and getting him involved with the Brown family"
I jst have a ? How and what are they going to charge "Bill Bill" with this case as well?!

holy cow....I wonder if the jury will regret their decision when they get to see all the evidence that we did! I'll be praying for Joey B. Can't believe how they can sentence him with little to no evidence!

Tough verdict, but he could do worse in an appeal.

I think he wasn't guilty and He was the the scapegoat. the browns threatened him and still threatening him. sorry families

Under the law he received the correct sentence.........he did not have to hold the knife to participate in this young mans murder.

so what did he get for time?

As a gay male myself I have to say I am upset at everyone involved but I still do not feel Joe Bearden had anything to do with the case and hope under appeals that it will be over turned, its sad fr both families and I fell for Bearden and his story as I watched the case just as much as I felt for Skipper

im disapointed. i was praying for 1st degree. Guess you cant win em all.. now im looking forward to the brown trial. if he gets anything less than 1st degree i will be VERY mad!

I was hoping for first degree murder charges. He had a role in this vicious murder. 19 stab wounds. That's crazy. He deserves the death penalty or atleast life in jail. Why feel bad for him ? He deserves the worst punishment out there.

What a tragedy, especially for the victim but also this defendant. Yes, he is guilty–he's guilty of:
choosing a life of petty crime fueled by drug addictionand surrounding himself with individuals such as the two who committed this horrendous crime.

He ran with the wrong crowd, got involved in a bad situation and although I believe he didn't do it he has some responsibility. By his own admission while under investigation he told the police he wanted money from the robbery. The murder wascomitted in the comission of a crime so he is guilty for his role. Realy bad all the way around.Sad to see a young man waste his life in prison and another dead over drugs.Meth is evil.

The bottom line is this... Whether he physically stabbed poor Ryan Skipper or just happened to be there when the other bozo did it, he's still guilty. I feel the jury was very fair, taking into consideration that they could have said guilty to first degree murder which could've cost him his life. His life has been spared and his parents/friends can still write him and visit him... Ryan Skipper's parents/friends don't have this priviledge anymore.

People from other parts of the country may be surprised about the verdict in this case. But, people who live in Polk county , understand it just fine.

Did bobbi & bonnie not watch the same trial the rest of us saw? Mr. Bearden got just what he deserved. This time we saw justice at its finest. I wounder how bobbi & bonnie would have felt if it was their family member?

I think that this is not the right verdict. I have been watching this case since the begining and i do not see how the jury came up with this i feel like i know this people and i was very upset by this have heard every testimony and it was all wrong he did not do it. he is 23 and is going to die because no one cared enough about him to stand and say he did not do it and what is up with the judge he did not want to hear anything about the weapon. I thank it is crazy

I hope that he wins on appeal, this was not justice

i have watched the trial for all three weeks well let me tell you if they can prosecute you on the lack of eveidence they had on bearden they need to appeal and the judge hunter should not have allowed this in justice happen ray ray is guilty guilty guilty!!!!!!!! so is bill bill . this is terrible injustice by not allowing all evedence into a death case

How that jury could believe one single word of testimony from that sleazy group of characters the prosecution put on as witnesses is beyond me. I'm not saying Bearden deserved to walk – he didn't. But there are others far more guilty than he. Too bad the judge didn't allow the jury to hear the testimony that pointed to the Brown cousins as being responsible. It seems to me that when you are deciding someones fate, any testimony that could make a difference should be allowed. That girl seemed more credible to me than any of the prosecutions witnesses, by far.

I do hope Joseph Bearden can turn States witness against the
correct persons responsible for this vicious crime and not get life in prison.

What is the sentence for Second Degree Murder in Florida?

Thank god!

Was he sentenced? If so, what did he get?

I also feel sorry for this man,I do not believe he did it,what about that knife they say it could of been tested,maybe this will help in a apeall. some of those people that were on the stand i would not beleive any thing they said.hope he makes out alright in jail and does not get hurt again,i will say a few prays for him and the victim.

I agree I don't think he had any participation in the murder. It's clear that Bill Bill and Ray Ray were the only two there! I bet that when the jurors hear about Angela Tyler they will be upset because she would have completely changed their opinions! I believe that Bill Bills rage towards his fathers sexual abuse is what caused him to act in such a vicous manner. This rage was not a part of the robbery, but his own psycholgical rage. That means it was an independent act!

Joseph Bearden maybe guilty of drug abuse and theft, but he is clearly not guilty of Second degree murder. I believe Bill Bill and his cousin, Ray Brown are the 2 guilty parties in this murder case. The jury clearly did not have enough evidence to convict Mr. Bearden of this crime. Further investigation into Ray Brown's involvement should be first and foremost in this case.

heck i don't feel bad for him

It's terrible what just happened to Joseph Beardon. The Media was awfull to him and his trial wasn't fair at all.
There's no Truth in Media, and virtually no Justice in our 'justice' system.

This Judge was very biest, and you could tell from day one, the side this judge was on. I think this kid did,t have prayer in this court room, and the judge knows it to. This kid should get a new trail. I pray he does.

I think this should have been a hung jury. I am very confused as to why there wasn't a continuence of the trial, since there was new evidance to look at. I think the judge was in a hurry to get this out of the way and I believe it was poor judgement on his part to go forth with this trial. I am looking for an appeal and I hope Mr. Bearden is free from the 2nd degree charge. However, I do agree with the rest of the charges against him. I believe he should be punished for what he was involved with, but I really don't think he was present during the actual stabbings. I am very sorry for both the Bearden family and the Skipper family. I will be happy to see the murderer brought to justice and Bearden proove his innocence. I will be following the progress on this case and hope for justice.

Bearden is not guilty!!! Yes I do think he helped cover it up but he didn't do it. They better get another trial, and they better not give him the death chamber because I don't think he killed him.

He didn't do it. some of the jurors knew it but i think not enough to get a not guilty on the murder. i think he was very involved with the robbery. the jurors were on the right track and then blew it.

I watched a good portion of the trial as well and I am confused as to how he could have been convicted of this crime with little or no physical evidence linking him to the crime. This is pretty shocking. I hope they do file an appeal. I am curious to see if the knife found will reveal any more about this crime.

Sooner or later he would be locked up the way he was going !

I don't get how they can say he is guilty when there is no evidence, just the testimony of a bunch of meth-heads.He was not guilty even though I believe he had a part in taking some of the stuff, perhaps he knew ryan skipper would be killed, but he didn't kill him or stab him once. i hope there will be an appeal, god bless you joseph bearden

I felt really sorry for him, it is sad...I hope there is an appeal or NEW TRIAL! There was not enough evidence. I will be praying for Mr. Bearden. God bless him.

Guilty. Either he did it, or he was there and did nothing to stop it. Either way, let him rot in prison the remainder of his life.

There should be an appeal in this case and deffinately with different Lawyers...It's a shame he had a team of idiots on his side..Did Joe Bearden make some stupid choices...most deffinately, murder Mr.Skipper, absolutely not. It is a shame that a young man lost his life. However I think even the 2nd degree conviction in this case is a crying shame as well. Ray Ray is goin down and should. All evidence points at that guy for murder. I think what sent Mr. Bearden up the river was #1 Everyone wanted to see a conviction because Mr. Skipper was a gay man that was savagely murdered and #2 Mr. Bearden unfortunately got some unfortunate tattoos in prison that just hurt any chance he may have had. If any of us were in that guys shoes in prison getting death threats and rape threats and so badly beaten he spent days in the hospital, we would have probably been desperate to find a way to look tougher as well.I think Mr. Beardens story is not over..

I've watched much of the trial, although, I do think that Beardon did take part in the acquisition of stolen goods, I don't think that the man was present when Skipper was killed.

I also think that's it's a miscarriage of justice to not enter evidence that clearly would have influenced the jury's opinion of the case. Angela Tyler should have been able to testify, and the is certainly a reason why a suspect's father would insert a knife in a tree, over nine feet off the ground. It certainly carried a motive to have done that. The court of appeals, I hope will look favourably on these issues and grant Joseph Beardon another day in court, a 23 year old man is going to prison for a very long time. On the lesser counts, I do believe he is guilty and should serve time for these crimes.

As I predicted . . . great job covering the trial, Jean!!!

This was a miscarriage of justice!!! The only thing the state proved in this case was that "Bill Bill" Brown was gulity of killing Mr. Skipper. Was the jury watching another trial or is this a case of guilt by association? If so, GOD HELP US ALL!!!!!

I do agree with the verdict. I am a retired legal assistant. Ryan Skipper would still be alive today if it wasn't for Joseph Bearden. Just because he wasn't linked to the actual stabbing (how do we know seeing as the stab wounds on Mr. Skipper's back didn't bleed out as he was near death or dead already ,the medical examiner testified, and there might have been 2 knives). Also as for fingerprints, remember the car was wipped down so any fingerprints linked to Joseph Bearden inside the car could have been wipped off. He introduced Ryan to the Browns, which I highly doubt, as these weren't the type of people Ryan hung out with. He would have been too afraid to hang out with them. Joseph Bearden admitted in his statement that he did not like gay people so I believe he didn't care what happened to Ryan. I do believe Bill Bill is the actual murderer.

I do not believe that Joesph Bearden committed this murder..witnesses were blocked from giving testimony to that fact....I think he knew all about it but I do not think he committed the murder.

Bearden brought skipper to the resident knowing something bad was going to happen. so he's just as guilty as the one who killed skipper, he should of got life without parole.the browns will get death so bearden should feel lucky.

This jugdement was so wrong I dont feel that was a fair trial for Joe Bearden. I believe he had played a hug part in the robby, and I believe he helped clean up after the murder but I dont think he had the knif or do I think he killed Mr Skipper! He should have testfied for himself. I think the jurors needed to hear it from his mouth what happened.

I was hoping for 1st degree murder, but 2nd degree will do.
Bearden and his "friends" need to be taken off the streets.
These people would assault, and maybe kill, you and me, without a second thought.

I am a bit troubled by this verdict. I tried to follow this trial as best I could and I didn't hear where Joseph Bearden actually committed this crime. I think the people he associated with, the druggies, knew quite a bit more than they actually told.....JMO

He stated he wanted something, anything five or ten dollars!! I hope he gets life. He may not have weilded the knife, but he was in on it, and did nothing to stop it.

RIDICULOUS!!!!! This was not a fair trial – Jason Beardon does not deserve to spend the rest of his life behind bars. I'm not saying he's not guilty of any of the crimes, however I DO NOT believe he is guilty of murder. APPEAL!!!!!

I am very dissapointed i had watched this trial since it started and the prosecution did not convince me. i hope he gets the appeal he deserves

I missed the autopsy report so I would like to know if the report mentioned the direction (right to left etc.) that the stab wounds were made.
Mr. Bearden is left handed and it seems that could or should make a difference.

Why did Mr. Bearden end up being dropped off , by Maria, in his bare feet ? Do you think his shoes had blood on them and had to be dumped somewhere ? Why did'nt the lawyer pick up on this testimony ?

If you were paying attention, Florida law stipulates that anyone participating in a crime, whether just by being there or by going along with it, is guilty of the same crime. Maybe he didn't hold the knife, but he participated in procurring Skipper's car & did nothing when he knew Ray Ray & his cousin were about to do Skipper harm. Makes him guilty as sin!!!

I have to go along with the "that's too bad" comment for a few reasons. First of all, there was absolutely ZERO hard evidence tying Mr. Bearden to the homicide ITSELF. Secondly, most of the circumstantial "evidence" comes from the testimony of assorted meth addicts, some of which had potential reasons to be intentionally misleading, let alone the fact that we're relying on the testimonies of people that have fried their brains to the point that they can't remember even simple general times of day, such as day or night.

Seriously, if EVIDENCE is still what convicts someone in a court of law, and it should be....this was an extremely WEAK case on the part of the prosecution.

It's very likely that Mr. Bearden COULD have been involved, but last I checked....speculation and suspicions weren't to be used to convict someone in a court of law.

Too much information was withheld from the Jury. The Jury should have heard the testimony that Bearden was not present during the murder.

WOW unbelievable. Joesph did not murder Ryan. Ray Brown should be in that cell !!! He is guilty for taking Ryan to the Browns and stealing his stuff. I hope he gets a new trial.

My heart goes out to Ryan and his family, however this verdict shows problems with our justice system.

I also would like to say that...it is a sad thing to see such a young person so misguided and his life just totally thrown away.
Second-degree is probably the best...as I do feel more people had a serious hand in this murder.

Oh, please! He's guilty as sin.

I don't know if Bearden is guilty or not of murder but the young lady that Ray Brown confessed to about being in the car with Bill Bill should have been allowed to testify in front of the jury. Also the knife which was found should also have been allowed to be submitted into evidence. For these reasons I believe this verdict will be overturned on appeal. Question: what does the teardrop tattoo below his right eye mean? By having this tattoo is he saying that he has killed someone?

I followed the trial the last few days and i have to say that i actually feel bad for mr. bearden. to seehim cry mad me sad. hes a year younger than myself and im a mom, my heart goes out to him and his adopted mom. i dont think hes a bad man because the tatoos. its a fact that prison can make people do some bad choices. i bope they do an apeal.

I just cant Believe that they would convict him of second degree murder. he was an accomplis in the theft but thats all.

HE GOT WHAT HE DESERVED. I DONT FEEL BAD FOR HIM HE TOOK MY BEST FRIEND AWAY WEATHER HE DID THE STABBING OR NOT HE WAS PART OF IT. HE KNEW WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO SO THERE FOR HE IS JUST AS GUILTY.
RIP RYAN KEITH SKIPPER MY BEST FRIEND

i agree with susan. i think the jurors just saw the tatoo's and figuered he must be quilty. i am sure he has enough for an appeal. i hope he gets one....

I am so relieved to know that Joe Bearden did not walk away today. I worried the system would fail Ryan.

Seeing what his family and friends, myself included, have been through losing Ryan, it is hard not to have hate in my heart for those men. One of whom is no longer an "alleged" murderer, but a convicted one.

This won't bring Ryan back, but knowing that one of the men responsible will not be on the streets to hurt someone else is a relief. To know that despite the conservative climate of our county, it seemed that the trial was fair and justice is tipping to the right side, finally.

I'll never forget Ryan, or the hate motivating his murder, but I hope this helps those close to the situation begin to find real closure. I hope his foundation and other groups promoting tolerance and awareness in this community will succeed in bringing some good from Ryan's lie being tragically and prematurely extinguished. The world is much dimmer for it.

I didn't believe a word the low life witnesses said. How could the jury?

I am so upset with this veredict he did not commit the murder and yet he is charged for it. How did a person kathleen hilton confessed to murde and got an not guilty veredict so what should he have acted crazy to get the same result because i remember that interview after she got a not guilty veredict she seemed to be perfectly normal no mental retardation then and im sorry for those who get upset or feal offended by this comment i really am greatfull for the hard work of all those jurrors but this jury was just not good at all we shouldnt have had trusted this kids life on them from the time that they wer confused by what is theft and robbery this was not a fair trial i am verry upset and disagree with this veredict please show me where it says that if ur fingerprint is found on a window that means you killed the person and should be convicted for that when all of the evidence and witnesses say other wise i taught witnesses wer critical in every case i guess that makes no difference for this jury !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't agree with this. I've been watching this trial, I don't feel the prosecution proved their case at all, some of the strong evidence that might of proved Joey is innocent in this murder trial was dismissed or not looked into hard enough. I guess we could go on and on about what we feel should have been used for evidence and so on, but I feel this went the wrong way. I honestly don't think he did this, but the other 2 did the crime, I just don't agree.

THIS WAS A REDICULOUS TRIAL! JOEY IS INNOCENT! I CANNOT BELIEVE THE FLORIDA SYSTEM! I'M IN A STATE OF SHOCK! SHAME FOR SHAME!

I hope he gets a retrial. I am not sure he did the actual crime but you are responsible for not stopping a crime when and if it is being committed. what ever happen to morals and doing what is right!!!!!

i think some people didn't even watch this case. they said that even though maybe he wasn't there to commit this murder,that he can still be connected to it since he knew about the robbery and it went bad. that's why he received the sentence he got. i'm glad he didn't receive the death penalty,but, maybe he did in a way, life in prison.

You will be seeing Joey in a new trial
This isn't over yet! It's just starting. He should have never got a murder charge and I believe when that Jury goes home and turns on the TV and see all the IMPORTANT info that was help from them then they are going to feel awful! Joey didn't murder anyone and that charge was bogus. I pray a retrial will be speedy and the ones who are quilty walking free will find themselve behind bars where they belong very soon:-)
And Thank You guys to the ones support the Bearden's...It means the world to us.

I felt bad for him to until I saw the way he acted after he was sentenced. He was talking as he was being led away saying he would be back. He acted like it was a joke. Sorry to say with that type of attitude it is best he is kept off the street. It is sad to see so many young people going down the wrong road in life.

The fact that Joseph Bearden tried to sell a dead man's car means that he knew he was dead. Hmmm. He did not report the murder, which means he is an accessory to the crime. I believe that constitutes Second Degree Murder

I think that this is horrible!!!! I am amazed that they found him guilty of murder. No evidence of Joey being there where they found Ryan's body. No blood or cuts on Joey's hands, no bloody clothes. And what will the jury think after they have watched the T.V. and see what evidence wasn't shown to them. I hope they are able to get an appeal and have the chance to show all the evidence.
Kristi

This was very upsetting to watch. I wonder if the jurors would have come to a different conclusion if they heard Angela Tyler testify. I believe she was the most credible civilian witness and I believe her testimony..

I do NOT believe Brown had any involvement in Ryan's death. I think Ray Brown was there. The Browns are covering for one another.

This got pinned on Bearden.. If Bearden had money and could pay for a better defense – I guarantee he would not have been convicted.

My heart breaks tonight – I can not stop thinking about this young man.

I feel terrible for Ryan Skippers family and my heart aches for them too but someone else (you know who) should be sitting where Bearden is right now and that just makes me physically ill.. literally sick to my stomach.

Bearden never stood a chance in this courtroom. Why didn't Judge Hunter allow Tyler's side in.. and let the jurors decide whether she was credible or not? This is SO unfair.

....sadness.... this is heart wrenching... if I had money I would send it Bearden to get him a top notch appeals lawyer.

did the judge senentence him yey?

I can't believe that. I wonder how jurors come up with their verdicts sometimes. I think he knows who was there, but I don't think he did it. I hope he gets a new trial. And I pray he learns something about this and find better people to hang with.

I'm a little amazed at how anyone could watch this trial, and actually feel sorry for Joseph Bearden.

i find it very disturbing that a person could get convicted with such a lack of evidence. i am very dissappointed in the judicial system and hope joseph gets an overturned sentance soon. very frustrating

sorry, i just don't get it, this group was a bunch of meth users who took what didn't belong to them for thier own selfish reasons, joseph beardon got what he deserved and should spend his life behind bars. god bless ryan skipper's and his family.

There is little doubt based on Mr. Beardons confession to police, as to his involvement in the killing of Ryan Skipper. I think the jury made the right decision based on the testimony that came forth in the trial. As for Mr. Beardon–" Don't do the crime if you can't do the time."

Bearden is just as guilty as the others he knew about the robbery before it happened and he helped clean the car and tried to trade the car for drugs not the actions of a person that is not guilty.
If you are involved in a crime where someone is killed the you are just as guilty as the others.
Bank robber goes in to bank kills someone and you are the getaway driver you are just as guilty.
From what I heard Bearden did not try to stop the robbery and then he helps clean the car and trade it for drugs, he helps in the crime and he also tries to cover the crime up.
Guilty . A young man lost his life because Bearden did nothing to stop a crime where someone could be hurt or killed. I hope he stays in prison till he is a very old man and never has the freedom to live a life of freedom, I hope he has a good time in prison with all the bigger and tougher men and he gets what is coming to him they just might have to keep him in segregation.

I DON'T THINK THEIR WAS ENOUGH EVIDENCE AGAINST HIM TO CONVICT HIM OF MURDER . HE WAS ENVOLVED BUT DID NOT DO THIS. I HOPE HE GETS ANEW TRIAL

I think the verdict of 2nd degree murder is JUSTICE serviced.This charge already carrys LWOP and along with the other charges,that he has been found guilty of;he will die in prison.
Bearden and the Brown family all have crimminal records,most appeared in orange jailhouse jumpsuits.When you mix drugs and robbery,a victum has very little chance to escape. The victum was stabbed 20 times= over kill.
I do blame Skipper for his own death. He picked up Bearden and there were overt homosexual advances made by Skipper. It came out very clearly stated by friends of Skipper;who were interviewed on,IN SESSIONS,;that Skipper was openly homosexual and had used marajuana and sold marajuana ,to get extra money.
I can understand a college student needing extra money;but there are ways to get that money LEGALLY. Jobs in Burger King/McDonalds or any restaurant;supermarkets always need extra people. Driveing for a car service etc. These are just a few examples..
WE all make choices and choices have consequences.Skipper made bad choices,he died.Bearden made bad choices and now has been convicted of 2nd degree murder and related charges.LWOP
Happy that another Defense Attorney lost their case.

please remember that we know things that the jury wasnt privy to. The judge, who was obvioulsy biased, refused to let in some crucial pieces of evidence. I was disappointed by their verdict but I was not surprised. Just like the question as to why the bloody evidence was not permitted to be into the courtroom. Please remember the victim was a homosexual and could have been exposed to HIV or Aids, and even if he were not then perhapls there was a fear from the jurors that he was. This is definately a case for appeal and I pray that it is done quickly. Shame on the prosecutors office and the police department for not followint through with all leads and for crucifying this young man who was obviously a patsy for this nasty low life of a family. The justice system WIL:L catch up with them. They used Joseph and one day with enough public pressure the prosecutors will have to do whats right. So keep your emails coming.

also remeber that there was evidence that Ryan Skipper and Bill Brown were already aquainted, although there is question as to the degree and in what manner. So Joseph Bearden is not to be blamed for bringing the victim to the residence, he just happened to be there at that time.

This case screams Appeal Appeal Appeal....

I was very disappointed in the jury's decision. Clearly, Mr. Beardon was involved in covering up evidence but he did not commit the murder and I don't think he was there when it happened. Given the type of people he was involved with, he probably felt that he had no choice but to help cover up the evidence...I wouldn't want to work against those people. I hope there is an appeal and I hope that all the evidence is allowed so that the murder conviction will be dropped against this young man. I am sad for the Skipper family as well, but this verdict is just wrong.

I agree with bobbi on this one. I do agree he had a big part in this after the fact cleaning of the car and trying to sell it but I do not believe that Joseph Bearden should of been found guilty of murder. Hopefully he gets a new trial I will be following this case to see what happens

The only way the jury would have the weekend off, would be to come down with a verdict. It`s just a shame they guessed and chose the verdict that they did. After all, they had no real evidence linking Joe to the murder. Hopefully he can appeal this verdict and have another trial. If so, hopefully without that judge and prosecution attorney because they both stink. Good luck Joe!!!!

What a shame, hate crime it was , second degree murder, what the jury was thinking?? or not thinking...

I watched this trial from the beginning, and while I saw evidence that the jurors did not, I still could not have convicted this man of murder. All the testimony was just unreliable. My prayers are with both the Bearden and Skipper families.

This case hits close to home for me. Our family has been involved in gross misjustice of the law. What kind of jurors take the words of admitted drug dealers, and meth useres? I pray they win the appeal, there were so many very important issues that the judge didnt let in. Its such a shame. I also pray for the family of Ryan Skipper, he can not be forgotten, although this judgement does not bring him back it only brings with it more grief because the wrong person was convicted of murder (even 2nd). Joseph should pay for only what he was involved in and it was obvious he didnt kill that poor man.

All of those who think he was wrongly convicted must be buying crack from the same dealer as Mr. BEARDEN did!

The only travisty here is that Mr Bearden and company have wasted and ruined their own lives with nobody to blame but themselves. ....and please don`t retort with "It was their poor upbringing"

Have a nice day!

bad decision!!!!!! There was no evidence linking him to the crime it was a bias jury from the start. It was thata minister juror that wanted to fry him from the start.

This case hits close to home for our family. We have also seen how gross misjustice can so easily be dished out. I question how the jurors came to such a conclusion based on the testimony of admitted drug dealers and meth addicts. Joseph Bearden should be punished for the crimes he so commited; however there were so much important testimony not allowed in by the judge I certainly hope he wins his appeal. I also pray for the family of Ryan Skipper, nothing will bring him back, but finding the wrong man guilty of 2nd degree murder is not the way to honor his memory. Yes, Mr. Bearden deserves a long stay in prison but I dont believe he should've been convicted of 2nd degree murder.

If Bearden would've took the stand and explained a lot of things including his tattoos, maybe (probably) the verdict would've been more to his favor.

Bearden's verdict was exactly what he deserved. The law in Florida provides that anyone who is a principal in the robbery resulting in the death of Mr. Skipper should be convicted of the murder as well. It doesn't matter that Mr. Bearden didn't do the killing himself. BY LAW, he is equally guilty as the man who did the killing – Mr. Brown.
I believe the jury did some deep thinking and each of the counts was carefully decided based on the infomration/evidence provided. I would have convicted of the higher count of robbery versus theirs of theft, but the rest – they are right on. Unfortunately, he will probably get parole in 25 years. If only life in prison really meant life in prison.
Great job to the jury and the prosecutor. Bearden is off the streets until he's at least 50. Maybe he'll stay in his Shangri-La cell even longer. Justice is served. The other one (Brown) will get the lethal injection for sure – also a fit verdict yet to come in the Fall.

I live in polk county very near where all of this happened. It comforts me to know that this menace to society is behind bars and will be for a long time. He's a cold, dark, evil man & I know I don't want him back in my community.

I believe he should be punished although I don't believe the judge was fair to the defense for not letting that wittness in and I also believe there was more people involved than the two defendants and the others should be charged.

Yea that's messed up,, he should not be locked up for murder

he didnt kill that guy.he was set up.i hope they find something to clear him.to me yhe jury didnt want come back on monday,give me a break every body knows he did not do it the jury knew that he was set up
i hope there is an appeal.that knife shoud have been check out.you never know with all the new thing got there.

he is innocent of murder

I think both of the guys should of had there trail together..than I think the jury/public would be able to deside the real guilty person who did this and one/both would be the KILLER..But being a GAY/or a straight person should not of been a question of being a HATE crime ..KILLING a HUMAN is not a hate crime its a DISCRACE to any HUMAN. And this shows a sick person.. And should be locked up for LIFE. Also Drugs were used and I am sure any ADULT knows that This DRUG they were doing is the WORST of any KIND.And sad that theses young men will have to pay for the one night of partying..and EVIL doings THE rest of there Lifes in JAIL. The people who help clean the car is just as GUILTY As the Person that did this crime (males/females who took part in cleanning the car... WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO THE SKIPPER FAMILY AND RYAN's FREINDS GOD BLESS YOU AND IAM SURE HE WAS A GREAT AND BEAUTIFUL PERSON ,,

Followed the case Mr. Bearden is guilty of theft not murder

1. Right off the bat... there was an alleged murder weapon discovered by crime scene investigators found 3 days before his sentencing (Knife in a tree hidden by Ray Brown days after the murder, it was there for 18 months and is very rusty and probably doesn't contain anything but perhaps trace dna evidence at this point.)
2. Ray-Ray (Ray Brown) main player in this case who was not charged!? was heard (by private detective) theatening the life of witness (amanda tyler) outside the courtroom. Amanda Tyler said bearden was not in the car at the time of the murder and
3. this witness (amanda tyler) whose testimony was not heard by the jury said that Ray-Ray admitted to killing Mr. Skipper days after the murder
4. The State of Florida could not provide any forensic evidence directly linking Mr. Bearden to the Death of Ryan Skipper.

Joseph Bearden may well have been involved in the robbery at sometime after the fact, but he did not kill Mr. Skipper in my opinion. There will certainly be an appeal and a new trial for this case.

Why soooo bad folks. The jury got it right.
Although maybe this guy didn't wield the knife, he was there when it happened, coulda prevented it from happening, cleaned up the crime scene and then try to sell Mr Skipper car.
You don't have to be the killer to be involved in the killing.
If three thugs rob a store, one has a gun, you know he has a gun, then shoot a victim all three are responsible, which part of that doncha get???
Soo sad, get real. This guy will have a life in ohhh let say 25 years, where is Mr. Skippers life? Eh?

SO ,the tatoo took him from just robbery to murder,huh!

wow! this is a perfect example of how innocent people get convicted all the time. The jury judged him just because he smoked and (or) dealed methamphetamines. The was NO evidence that Mr, Bearden did in fact commit this crime.

THATS A SHAME FOR HIM TO BE CONVICTED OF MURDER, I HOPE HE APPEALS TO THE HIGHEST COURT HE CAN AND WINS. ALTHOUGH HE MAY HAVE HAD A HAND IN IT THE STATE OF FLORIDA DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH EVEIDENCE TO CONVICT OF MURDER, AND ILL BE PRAYING FOR HIM. HE DESERVES TO BE TREATED FAIRLY. MAY GOD BLESS HIM.

I feel so sorry for Joseph...I was expected that he was convicted for other charges, but not for murder. There is no evidence to prove he was at the crime scene. I really hope there will be a re-trial soon.

Too bad, this young man looked scared and intimidated by all those other awful people called to testify. Those Agueros are really something else, they all bunched up to accuse this kid, he is not all innocent either but I believe that ALL of them played a part in this sad death. Too many contradictions, too many bad mouth answers from most of the witnesses, they all looked like there is a pact amongst them. Very scary people, they all look like a group of gansters and gansterette.

IM Terriably sorry for Ryan Skippers family as well for the Bearden family. Both men have lost there lives. But we cant forget that Joseph Bearden did bring Ryan Skipper over to the Brown home and help plan a ROBBERY,And Ryan lost his life. Mr. Bearden is a drug addict that only had one thing in mind and that was to get DOPE and get his cell phone turned on.

I feel so sorry for all the families but espescially for Smiley. HE DIDN'T KILL RYAN!!!!!!! Sure he was hanging with the wrong crowd and messing with drugs but he is innocent, That jury screwed up this time and I feel a real injustice has been done to Joesph Bearden. I hope he gets an appeal but that could take years, if ever. Poor kid. I wish him well.

I am so glad that you people are not bashing Joseph Bearden. I watched his trial on t.v.. I do not believe that the jury was able to make a fair decision based on the information that they had. I believe that the judge was trying to be fair but he didn't give the defendant a few breaks that he should have....If you people watched the trial you know what I am talking about.....I fully expected him to be found not guilty...My own son was in a similar situation and had the same outcome, I just wish that everything we see as observer's could be seen by the jury, thing's would be so different for these people's lives. I can't believe that the judge didn't think it was necessary to check that knife and that he wouldn't allow testimony from the girl who reported it or from the "grandmotherly type" person ....I really believe that this young man deserve's another trial. Hopefully he is able to get through this and beat it....

I do not believe the jury reached the proper verdict , however i di believe him to be guilty of accesory after the fact. also i don't think the judge made good calls in a lot of this trial it was obvious from the start he was for the state. mr bearden did not have proper repensination i think the lawyers should have fought a lot harder for him.
i hope there will be an appeal on this i will be watching for one, also i hope mr brown's trial will be televised.
vivian toronto canada

I have followed the vast majority of this trial, and having served as a juror in a capital murder case a few years ago, I find myself a little confused. I pretty much figured they would find Bearden guilty, but I'm not really sure on what basis were the findings. He had everything working against him. Ugly tatoos, a meth habit, uneducated, poor, etc, etc, etc. But I felt like a lot of the testimony went in circles. If he is guilty, then life in prison is what he should receive (I am not pro death penalty) and trust me, his life is going to be miserable forever. But if he's not guilty, then he needs to be exonerated and hopefully this will give him the swift kick in the ass he needs to clean up his life. I think he had some involvement, but I don't know that I believe he killed Skipper. This remains to be seen. I don't see a judge throwing out his case.....best of luck to him in the big house, he's gonna need it.

I pray that Mr. Bearden get a new trail. So Joe keep your head up.I will like to con't fellowing this case. Now less see how much evident will be aloud in Bill Bill Brown trail.I guess we will never know if Rayray wil every tried for anything in this case.Everyon that has been following this trail learn something from it.Hopefully you know who your friend are.Watch the company you keep ,becuse you never know when somthing like this can happen to YOU.

It just shows you how outdated our system is. It was obvious to me, from watching the whole trial, that he was not involved with the murder of him at all. Fingerprints outside the passenger of his car says one thing to me. That he knew and came in contact with him, maybe by selling him drugs. Ryan Skipper knew the bad situation he was in, it was no surprise to him. You don't give strangers rides in your new car in the "trap". He was a grown man. Bearden is guilty of one thing, being the connecting factor between the two groups, along with some face tattoos my parents generation cant ever understand. I do however believe that the killer is the one who was molested at gun and knife point by his father, therefore causing a hatred for homosexuals. It's obvious to me what happened here in this case. It's a shame jurors are not always open minded people. Now two people have lost their lives for no reason.

It really disturbs me that three witnesses and a murder weapon were not allowed into evidence because the judge felt their appearance before the court untimely. What kind of justice is that?

i am a writer for a local paper in Philadelphia, PA and I view 75% of your trials and i have never been wrong with a jury's verdict until now. Joseph Bearden second degree murder, no way!!!!, that jury was bias. I watched that entire trial and If I was on that jury it would of been hung because nothing could persuade me to believe that young man is guilty. A lesser charge yes, I agree, assisting with the cleaning of the car, robbery for drugs yes, accessory after the fact, yes. I'm outraged and I can't believe how this has affected me. The tattoo, if my son was in prison, get what ever design tattoo you need to keep those big demons away from him. Im curious how those 12 jurors are going to sleep at night. 25 years I hope.

i agree susan a new trial with some evidence would be good ! i don't think hes should have gotten charged with second degree murder i think if hes guilty in anyway he should have just got the last charges .good luck joe bearden and family for an apeal! i feel sympathy for the skipper family as well i can't wait for the other two guys trial the ones who actually murder him.

OMG !!
I have been reading the recent reviews and to my disbelief, I find that after watching this trial there arent more people who think Joeseph Bearden need to spend the rest of his life in prison. Some may think this is a rather harsh thing to say....but All of them are a bunch of druggie"s (including the victim "gay or not") and both defendents should be strung up immidiately after conviction so we can get rid of these low lifes and stop waisting our tax dollars on appeal after appeal.

Fined it hard to belive a jury could look at the evidence and fine joe beardon guity.hope he gets a new trail.How ever my heart goes out to mr.skippers family.wrong guy.

Today is a sad day. I dont believe this young man deserves life in prison. Yes he should serve sometime but not life. I hope he gets a new trail. I think he is sorry for the death of that young man. You could see it. You shouldnt be judged by the way he look ...thats not justice !

I tried to click on open court at the cnn.com/crime and there was no such link . I AM TOTALLY appauled by this verdict !!!!! They did not allow testimony that I felt was very important . This was truly a railroad case . Just because this kid lived a lifestyle people didn't like and said things that were not PC , he was hung out to dry . This kid didn't have a chance . There was no REAL evidence that he did this .

I believe that this man was truthful.I believe that he could be rehabed and allowed to live a normal life if society would take responsibility to educate him.He showed he had a conscience and he also loved his adoptive mother as he said.

The next trial for the murder of this boy will be Bill,Bill.During Bearden's trial,Bill did not impress me. I would not predetermine his guilt.

The Judge in this case though meaning well was absolutly wrong . There has been total injustice done in this case and I hope that there will be a speddy and complete correction of this injustice.

I feel bad for him his real mom was a bad parent..

This man admitted to be an accessary to this case but yet the prosecutor nailed him for being a murderer. Cass must not have a conscience what so ever. It just proves that you better not say you hate anyone because they will come after you for it. Joe should have been charged for accessary only, NOT MURDER!!!!!! How can you be charged for murder when you didn`t kill someone??? I will never understand that no matter how they try to explain it. Florida laws really STINKS!!!!!

there is no way joseph bearden should have been convicted.- there was no evidence to say he was there when the killing took place or that he stole the vehicle. if they could convict him for murder then all the witnesses that testified should be convicted – as he had about as much involvement as most of them did. i feel so sorry for him as i believe to be convicted of murder you have to be the one that did the killing and its obvious he did not do the killing and wasn't even there at the time of the killing – finding out about the killing after the fact does not make you guilty of murder!!!! i cannot understand our justice system – how is it justice to not let everyone testify that could help with the facts of the case, especially if someones life is on the line!! there was no justice in this case – you would think that the prosecution would want to get the guilty persons off the streets – such at ray brown, how is it justice to convict the innocent person!!! I pray joseph gets a new trial and all are allowed to testify!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Bearden is obviously lacking a consience as the smirk on his face indicated while the judge spoke the verdict and sentence. He is an example of the fact that evil does exist and that it needs to be removed from the public where it can and often does do harm. The tatoos on Mr. Bearden represent defiance and nothing else, a sort of "in your face" response to the charges against him. I truly believe he was soley concerned with avoiding the death sentence knowing he was going to prison anyway. He is a little wise ass, with no regard for the law, let alone human life and he got what he deserved. I don't believe in the death penalty as a Christian and am glad Mr. Bearden is one less creep on the streets for decent people to have to deal with. His own attorneys appearded somewhat leary of him and I don't blame them one bit. He is devious, dangerous and without any regard or respect for another human being. Congratulations to the jury and the judge. Twenty-five years is not enough. This creep should be put away for life, period.

Joseph's adopted mother saying who good he is. Good people do not join gangs, do drugs or rob people.

I know she loves him. But if you go out of your way to be apart of that lifestyle, which he did.

I really do not care that his life was hard. He lived with people how were not part of that life. He chose to do the drugs and drinking.

No where did anyone say that he said one word about trying to prevent or help the victim who was A REAL GOOD person.

How dare they say he had no chance. We are not well off. My kids never once did drugs or alcohol or any of those things. No one has a prefect life. We are presented with choices. We all know lying, stealing, drugs, alcohol, violence are bad. He knew. He made his choice.

I hope he embraces his gifts. I hope he is able to find a better life. I hope he uses the opportunity that Ryan Skipper will never have.

I feel there was no evidence that Joseph Bearden murder
Mr Skipper. I hope he will get a new trial .I was so suprised
that the judicial system could not see the facts in this case.
I don't see how anyone can say this was a fair trial.

I don't feel sorry for him at all. They use his mother' s drug use why did he spend time with her in the first place he was adopted. I blame his adopted parents for a lot. Make excuses for him. You must want to be a better person or all the counceling and drug rehab is not going to work.

I am happy and sad for the verdict of Ryan Skipper murder. YES it should have been treated as a HATE crime i feel. Cuz i think from the stand point i take is that....he didnt stab him once of twice. The average person can sustain maybe 4 vicious stabs at death. But this guy took the time to stab him 19 times. That says he intended to KILL him. I think the attorneys are puttting to much on the murderer being a victim. Ok he gets to spend the rest of his LIFE in prison, which my taxes pay for. But this student that wasnt bothering anyone, but because he was gay, his LIFE is over. How is that fair, the bible says an eye for an eye. It makes me sad the death penatly was not considered. And personally dont care what beardons family say or feel because his mother can see him for the rest of his LIFE in prison. Ryan Skipper's mother does not get that luxury. Beardon is NOT the victim here.

I think that any time someone comes forward in a trial where someones life is on the line the trial should stop until the evidence or witiness is proved or disproved how long will he stay in jail waiting on appeal

THE YOUNG BOY WAS RAILROADED BY OUR COURT SYSTEM.

I think he played a part in the cover up and the trying to get rid of the car
but the state did not prove their case of murder. I hope he gets a new trial. All that evidence that was coming in during the trial should etc. Ray Ray. and the New Witness that was not allowed. I know he should be behind bars, but lets put him there for the right reason

I've lost faith in our justice system.

I feel that is it a complete injustice.Although he did play some part in it What about Ray Ray why was he never charged and The witness the Aquilla girl who testified she saw him cleaning the car scrubbing the vehicle with the sponge in his right hand ,Hello this is very unlikley because Joseph is left handed not that it could not have happened that way but it is unlikley,and also how about the neighbor who testified that he had seen this girl cleaning the vehicle.Why was she never charged with any crime,maybe because the State felt why look any further we already have someone.And finally the female witness who Ray Ray admitted it to,and the Knife in the tree if it turns out it was used will the father be charged with a Crime,there are to many questions left unanswered.I hope that Beardon gets another Trial and i hope that all these are brought in to consideration.Finally it is tragic what happened to the Victim in all of this but let's not make it worse by not taking all this into account. Ken from Maine

Having been through the exact same murder trial for the murder of my life long friend, Mike Sortal, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 2001, I agree 100% with the verdict. The death sentence would be too good for such a bum!

I hope to see a new trial too!!! To have a witness testify under oath that Ray Ray was there and the jury could not here it was injustice to this case. Then if that was bad enough Ray Ray threatens this witness and doesn't care who hears. Does he have immunity? The victim's cousin heard Ray Ray threatening this witness and was scared. How many other witnesses are scared to take the stand to testify with Ray Ray not being behind bars?

So he is sentenced:
Life; for a murder he didn't commit
5 yrs; for robbery he didn't commit
15 yrs; for accessory after the fact which he did commit
5 yrs; for tampering with evidence which he did commit
15 yrs; for dealing in stolen property which he did commit

There is more to this crime than what's being told. It will all come out in the Brown trial....

The judge made a statement about in the states closing funny how he can back-up his buddy once again!

What about everyone else involved in this case? The Aguero's ALL OF THEM!, ALL the Brown's, why are they not ALL charged with:
accessory
tampering
dealing with stolen property?
Even if their fingerprints aren't found they were ALL involved and stated so on the witness stand.

Too bad for Mr. Bearden!

i don't believe joseph beardon did this crime. i do believe he had a part in hiding the evidence. i think he should go to prison for some time but not for life without parole. i have so much empathy for the victim's family but i don't believe joseph beardon is the killer.

I watched the whole trial and heard NO evidence of Mr. Bearden's participation in the murder, directly or indirectly–just a bunch of scripted statements from meth addicts who clearly had motives for lying. I agree that he should get a new trial, but I wish it could be in a more enlightened state than Florida, where everybody is found guilty

This trial was a disgrace. The judge was clearly pro-prosecution, and far more interested in concluding the trial than in getting it right. The prosecutor made blanket statements in his summation about Mr. Bearden's motives and thoughts, which were not supported by any testimony or evidence.

Jami commented by saying that Bearden's life sentence is just that....LIFE, day for day. However, that is NOT true. Bearden was convicted of SECOND degree murder, leaving him eligible for parole after 25 years.

Had Bearden been convicted of FIRST degree murder, then it would be life, day for day.

this young man didnt not stab ryan skipper...the prosecution had no evidence that put the knife in joseph beardens hand...the prosecution used a bunch of meth addict's testimony...trust me, meth addicts are not the most truthful group of people...

This trial has had me on the edge of my seat from day one. So many wists and turn however the verdict did NOT bring JUSTICE to Ryan or Joesph !!!!

i do not believe that joseph beardon did this crime. i do believe that he had a part in hiding the evidence and knowing about the robbery but even though i believe he should do some prison time, i don't think it should be life without parole. he had poor judgment in the people he associated with because of being introduced to drugs by his biological mother at a young age. his adopted parents were wonderful people but he was so affected by the biological mother and the drugs. i have so much empathy for the victim's family but i do not believe that joseph beardon is the killer. the brown brothers appear to be guilty to me.

I would like to put a bit of a spin on this case. First off the old adage "There is no honor among thieves" goes double for drug addicts, they will lie, steal and cheat their friends and families to get what they want and get out of trouble. I really feel through lack of tangible evidence the DA did not prove Joseph Beardon committed this crime, not to say he was not involved, but not to the extent the DA claimed. My spin; I feel this den of Meth heads used Joseph as a scapegoat and set him up for the blame. This whole trial does not add up and the Judge not allowing 2 witnesses and 1 piece of extremely important evidence (the knife) into play should leave this open to a fast appeal, to say that the knife would not hold viable evidence (DNA or what have you) is totally absurd, the Judge should have stopped the trial and allow proper testing to be preformed by the proper experts. I am very disappointed and bothered by this verdict.

my heart does go out to the skipper family, i have been following this case on tv and must say i am outraged with this verdict.it clearly shows that he was not responsible for ryan skippers death.they should have aloud they young women to testify. hopefully we see an appeal in this case.i also feel mr bearden was not on the right track and it seemed as if he was trying to get help as in his pastor speking on his behalf.we all do sin but does that make us guilty on 2nd degree murder?!no!i will hold mr bearden and the skipper family in my prayers.

Suzee; They said on tru tv that first degree murder in Florida is death and second degree murder is life day for day. I don`t agree with this verdict simply because joe didn`t kill the man. He admitted to accessary to the case, but not murder. That whole trial was a joke because it was like the DA was running this trial and not the judge. Their saying the judge was smart, but how do they figure that??? The DA made all the decisions, not the defense or the judge.

what a shame on the verdict! This man is innocent of murder...I do believe he made some very bad decisions in this situation and that he should be charged for theft, but he should not be charged for Ryan Skipper's murder. The witnesses in this case were mostly meth addicts..you cant believe a word they say. This was not a fair trial at all! There should be a new trial with a new judge. It's really a shame that the judical system is willing to put people in prison and prosectue them, when there have been several incidents of the innocent people being the ones behind the bars..How could the jury convict this man of second degree murder without a reasonable doubt. I couldn't..This case lacked evidence of proving Joseph Bearden had anything to do with the murder of ryan skiper! I hope the verdict is overturned on the murder charges!

Clearly, the justice system has failed in the Joseph Bearden case.
I cant imagine the potential for a jury to find him guilty of
1st degree murder and death sentence, this creates fear in the minds of the public. Thank-you so much for airing this trial, for keeping people informed.
As for as the hate crime issue, i work in behavioral health
and anyone who has been repeatedly molested is filled
with anger and hostility, like a ticking time bomb, all they
need is, that to be triggered, and you will see an aggressive
response in various degrees, that was Wm Brown's reason for assaulting another person, not one's sexual preference. Unfortunately, Joseph Bearden, is guilty by association, he had no motive to violently murder.

This guy was not guilty, where is the witness? He was told not to testify, but he should have and told them what he told the judge...How can the killer be walking around and this guy gets life? I think he was possibly a little dumb, uneducated, and slow, but I dont think he knew much of what was going on.

When I was listening to Joseph Beardens mom talking it sent a chill through me. My husband and I adopted our son when he was 8, having known him since he was 5. He was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. No one understands unless you have been a part of these childrens life what they go through or how they think or don't think. I remember one time our son robbed a house and was charged with breaking and entering, he asked us how they could have charged him with that when he didn't break anything. He was 16 at the time. At 21 he is now sitting in the county jail charged once again with breaking into a house. I don't think people understand how these kids think. They can so easily be talked into things just to fit in somewhere. They can't hang around with the kids that are college bound, they don't mature like they do. They find kids that are like them which usually ends up to getting in trouble. I could go on and on about this subject. I live it everyday. He is a lost soul in a world that just doesn't understand his kind. His bio mom is also dead, like Josephs. And that to is when he started getting into trouble. The one person they want to ask why is no longer here, so now there is another thing to deal with for someone who has trouble dealing with life on a daily basis. I feel terrible for the family that lost there son, but maybe they can find it in thee heart to forgive a little for another child that was considered different to most.

People, warning – if the police ever want to talk to you for any reason – don't in any way shape or form without an attorney present!!!!! It is worth investigating in an attorney!!!! Let the first thing out of your mouth be with my attorney........

I have read where people state that Joseph was a menace, and if Joseph had not taken Ryan to the Browns this would not of happened. That is pure speculation! Why was Ryan in this area of town, why did Ryan pick Joseph up? Not to blame the victim but, hello! How many of you go into neighborhoods, where drugs, etc., run rampant? This is a tragedy for both families. I am sorry that Ryan lost his life, but we who watched this trial, just watched a total miscarriage of justice in a Florida court room. And, what is so sad, there are court rooms just like this one all over this country. Meth is a major problem in this country, and so many want to turn a blind eye to it. Be careful it may be coming to your neighborhood soon! Don't think just because you may live in a "good" part of town, that it is not there. Take your suburbia rose colored glasses off and look around. Your child may sit where Joseph sat, at a defendants table. This is just sad all the way around. I hope a good criminal appeal lawyer gets his or her hands on this case, and we see, true justice for Joseph. Like he stated to the judge, the real killer is still on the streets.

The Polk County Sheriff dept should be ashamed !!!!

He got what he deserved, he said he had nothing to do with it but he DID NOT go to the cops if he didn't want to be involved he should have been a Grown Man and when to the cops, even if he didn't do it he was involved and makes him just as guilty, I don't feel bad for him at all. He was involved with drugs hung out with the wrong crowd and he wanted to fit in and so now he s paying for it.

I will be praying for an appeal for Joseph Bearden.
He DOES NoT belong in prison the the rest of his life.
I think he should have got accessory at the most & I believe there is a ton of people that would agree with me.
Dont get me wrong I feel fo Ryan Skipper's family too.

Keep your head up Joseph the truth will come out!

Some feel sorry for Bearden...?? What about the victim?? Who care that he was gay, that was still a life!

WHO ARE YOU TO PLAY GOD?

Chris, Do you agree with the Common Law. I dont agree with it.

You can tell by Beardens demeaner that he is not a tough guy, just someone who just wanted to fit in. I don't think he was involved in the murder at all. This is my opinion after watching him in trial. I hope he gets a appeal due to, two witnesses not being able to testify in front of the jury and also that the judge didn't seem to have the time to let the knife be called into evidence. The jury did not do him a favor by giving him second degree murder. I think he would rather have been put to death then be beaten and raped in prison!!!!!!!!!!

Bearden is not guilty of anything but being a little uneducated... I think he was guilty of helping his friends getting rid of stolen goods and thats about it but I think the judge in this case had his mind made up about this guy before the trial began and he proved it when he wouldent let the jury see the knife and when he sentenced him and when he showed no mercy. That trial was a JOKE. It make you lose faith in our justice system .

All you folks that think he's not guilty and the judge was so wrong why did'nt you defend him?? He did'nt get what he should have which is death. And you could tell how proud he was of his tattoo's he took his tie off and unbuttoned he top button for the judge and everyone else to see. If he wanted the judge to feel sorry for him I don't think that is the way to have done it. May he rot!!!

I am saddened by the conviction and life in prison sentence of Joey Bearden. He is a young man that society has forgotten out of embarrassment. He had a sad beginning and sad ending to his short life. Prison will not teach him anything but fear and evil. He already knew those things. Drugs is a way of escape for our young people. It is a scar on our society. I don't believe Joey killed Ryan, and the jury didn't believe he did either. They convicted a young man for his tattoo. It is a gloomy outlook that foreshadows our future. My tears fall.

Life is too much time for this Joseph Bearden. Although he contributed to Mr Ryans death, he was not even there when it happened, nor did he know it was going to happen-he thought it was going to be a robbery. My hope is for an appeal with all evidence, including additional testamony be heard by the jury. Respectively, I feel the Judge should have delayed/postponed the outcome of this trial so all evidence could be heard and the Judge not speculate on "possible" outcome of relevant issues. And WHY is Ray Brown out on the streets! By the evidence given in this trial... to me, Ray and William seem to be the actual murders!

i agree that Bearden's impotence is worn on his face. but i totally believe that the jury is no more than a twelve-person lynch mob. i do not have any more faith in the jury pool of the average American. take a look at the brutal manner attitudes are expressed in chat forums (certainly about this case): it is a meter of the average attitude of capable americans out there. they are too quick too judge, condone revenge and are more or less without any sympathy for criminals and would deny bearden's civil rights if they could. i sincerely pray that i am never subject to the opinion of american jury system.

I cant beleive this,it's pretty sad that the jurors didn't see or hear everything that we did,that is the just wrong,and then a knife appears and they decline to have it entered as evidence?if I was Beardon,I would have demanded it to be tested and entered.It will be very interesting to see if Bill Bill Brown has the knife entered into evidence,and what about the other Brown?I believe the uncle?why was'nt he charged?I feel sorry for this kid,yeah he shouldn't have planned to rob anyone,the victim in this case however,no he shouldn't have lost his life but the prosecuter mad me mad when he stated that he didn't have money,that's a bunch of bull,he worked and most likely took out student loans to pay for all his needs,and drug addicts do not care who they are with as long as they get their fix and feel as though they fit in,so the victim here isn't as innocent as they make him sound.All drug addicts live in the same world and have the same goal...to get high

I am so upset , i was so shock and I could not sleep from friday till today Monday when I heard that the jury found him guilty .
HE IS INNOCENT , HE HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MURDER,
SOMEONE NEEDS TO STAND UP FOR HIM AND HELP HIM , I HOPE AND PRAY THAT THE DA WILL APEAL THE CASE.
THE JUGDE DIDN'T DO HIS JOB , AS FOR THE JURY THE ARE LOSER I HOPE THEY WILL HAVE HIM ON THIER MIND FOR THE REST OF THIER LIFE, GOD IS BIG AND HE SEEM THEM.
GOD BLESS BEARDEN AND WATCH HIM IN JAIL

Absolutely disgusted with the judge and prosecution! It is a gross abuse of power. Who hires this people? They are more concern with sending the jury home quickly (to avoid any further inconvenience) than to get to the TRUTH. What happen to the evidence? This is a man's LIFE. How do they sleep at night knowing they have condemned an innocent young man for the REST OF HIS LIFE only to please the victim's family! Assuming he does not get "STICKED" inside for not being hard enough. Although Joseph Bearden was stupid, impressionable and reckless concerning the events; He did NOT kill Ryan Skipper! He was hanging around with the wrong crowd for the wrong reasons; DRUGS. Who has ever done that during their teens and twenties? Everyone! Yes, even YOU the "born again Christian" that loves to judge others. What happens when YOUR kid hangs out with the wrong crowd? LIFE?! I hope that the defense was incompetent on purpose; to get an APPEAL. If not, GOD help the next teenager who tries to befriend the "cool boys" in the neighborhood.

I have read over the 200+ comments associated to the Guilty Verdict
of Bearden. Either he is believed to be guilty or he is not guilty (but had something to do with the crime) ...such as robbery or conspiracy. Therefore, both sides are in agreement. To be "involved in a murder or commit a crime in furtherance of a murder" Makes you guilty of murder. Murder in the second degree does not require any proof that the defendant actually committed the murder. If Bearden simply got a crack rock for helping to clean up the murder scene and hide evidence, or obstruct Justice he is guilty of Second Degree Murder.

Here is a thought... (Google) second degree murder FL and try to learn something. If you don't have a computer borrow one from the trailer next to you.

Wrong place,wrong time,wrong and poor choices..all add up to Guilty by association- I think he knew what was going to go down–no one wins, no one ever wins.i keep on hearing hate crime because Ryan was gay–these men had no regard for a human life whether he was gay or not,this man was brutally murdered. Joe is not so tough,he is a lost soul, I do wish him peace as well as the faithfully departed. No one wins. Trial in Oct. for the other one,Bill-Bill

Joseph Bearden set Ryan Skipper up. Mr. Skipper was an easy target for robbery. (his new car) Did Bearden know he was going to be murdered vs being messed up? I believe he did not know that specifically. But Mr. Bearden was the catalyst that set this entire tragedy in motion. Whether or not he yielded the weapon or not. When the car was brought back, he had no problem cleaning the blood off of it. He knew Mr. Skipper met his demise and had absolutely no regard. He only wanted money for drugs.
Everyone thinks he's innocent because he didn't do the actual slaying. But read the law. He deserves the exact sentence he received.
I feel badly for both families. Two, young lives lost. And for what?

In FL.. a life sentence is just that.. life. There is no chance of parole. I am giving this information for those of you that believe he would have a possibility of parole in 25 years, etc. Also, for the person stating an appeal could lead to a worse sentence.. you are incorrect. That would be double jeopardy, which is not allowed in this country. A person can not be tried in a court of law for the same crime. He can not be retried on Capital Murder, or 1st degree murder charges. And for those of you that say his attorneys need to appeal quickly. His attorneys were assigned to him by the state of florida. They are not appellate attorneys. He will be assigned a different set of attorneys for appeal. This will take time. Also remember, he was sentenced to 40 consecutive years following the life in prison. Regardless of the conviction of 2nd degree murder (which will be appealed) he would be starting out his 40 years currently. Time served will count towards those years if he did in fact get the 2nd degree murder conviction overturned. He admitted to the other charges. For those of you stating the defense was "a joke". I will ask if your knowledge of the law comes from anywhere other than "In Session" My guess would be no, or you would be knowledgeable as to what they can and did try to accomplish. Remember that correspondents on TV shows can give their spin on what they report. Also, to the woman stating the defense should have covered Joseph's tattoos. Again, no knowledge of the law. Joseph Bearden sat close to the jury. When you are sitting in a court of law, you are not allowed to "hide" anything. A court of law is not Hollywood, and you do not hide what your client looks like. That is a ridiculous thing to consider. Makeup artists do not belong in a court of law. One more thing.. the person that stated "do not talk until you have an attorney present" is correct.. the judicial system is much more likely to work with you, with the help of attorney.. Joseph Bearden should have never given that taped statement without one..

Whoever is hoping Mr. Bearden gets a new and the guilty verdict in trial #1 is overturned,give some thought how you would like this guy and his friends living in your neighborhood or town around your loved ones.It is so obvious he is the one who got the whole ball rolling to set this victim up and at the very least,rob him.Did he accually murder the victim,we will never know the truth with that,but he did have participation in the crime,at the least,leading up to it.So,as the law reads,he is as guilty of murder as much as the one who used the knife.And the way it should be.

He was gouilty by association and in my book that is OUTRAGOUS!!!! how many of us would be in unfair trouble just because of who you know !!!!!! It happens alot and is sunch an injustice!

HATE... Not Justice... Is alive and well on ALL Fronts. I dont feel a prison cage is a place for any human being. Does it do any good? Are these Inmates truly changed for the better when they get out? I believe certain testimony was not heard due to hatred of Joeseph Bearden. I know when people want to work with you.. they do. But here I dont feel Joseph had a chance. They all had it out for him. How can a person defend against that. Just get a bunch of tatoos and say the hell with it is what I see. I hope Joseph gets an appeal and a fair trial not based on hatred. Man this guy got maximin on all counts... Throw the book at him. I know some people dont agree but sorry thats how I see it.

Kari; You wonder how all these people could feel sorry for Joe Bearden?? Simple, they all have HEARTS, thats how. Some people want to convict someone as soon as their accused. Please don`t go on a jury, everyone is entitled to a fair trial!!!

I must have been watching a different trial. This kid knew what was going on. He may not have killed Ryan, but he had to know he was taking the lamb to the lions den when he took him to the Browns. Also, did anyone else notice that when the judge gave him a chance to say something that he was told by his lawyer to say he was sorry to the Skipper family?

I agree with the previous few statements. The average jury pool is is like a lynch-mob. There needs to be some law changes. Jury members should go through though scrutiny before being allowed on a death sentence jury. HE COULD OF BEEN KILLED ALSO!. People judgeing others is ridiculous.

I agree with .......antilynchmob 100%

I also find it sad that one would judge not so much by the legal evidence submitted, but by Mr. Joesph Beardens over all appearance.
In my opinion, that is no different then judging someone for there sexual orientaion. It happens but it's ill educated and wrong. Regardless of what other's believe or support..........it is his right as a American to a fair trial.

I can see by the lack of grammar skills and the ability to spell simple words, that the uneducated are the one's rooting for Joseph Bearden the most. I am not sure why you believe praying to a "god" is going to help this young man? Then again, I don't have these superstitions, so I cannot relate to your judgment. But folks, let's face it.....If he didn't get convicted NOW, you would have most definitely seen Joseph Bearden back in the courtroom again in about five years anyway. Prison is his destiny.

Being of small stature, this kid ain't gonna last 3 years, so start praying, jesus freaks!!!!

Hopefully this kid will win a new trial on appeal. Lets hope his new defense team hires a make-up artist to cover up that ink on his face & neck. That hurt him, I don't care what the judges orders called for. He just looks like a guy that doesn't belong on the streets, free. He looks like trouble, so it would be easy to convict him of this murder.

I totally believe that the jurors came back with the only fitting verdict. Please, hear me out. 2nd degree murder is 1) an intentional killing that is not premeditated or planned, nor committed in a reasonable "heat of passion" or 2) a killing caused by dangerous conduct and the offender's obvious lack of concern for human life. Bearden clearly "hung" himself by not caring that Skipper died and by cleaning up the evidence–not to mention, trying to get rid of evidence, the car. He clearly participated in the 2nd definition of 2nd degree murder. I was heartbroken by the life he's had and the fact that he will spend the rest of his young life in jail, but he led Skipper into an ambush whether he plundged the knife, witnessed it or not!

You know for all the people out there that are saying why dont you invite someone like him to your home i would because you never judge a book by its cover and that is how i feel just because he had a few tattoos dont mean he was a bad guy and i feel for him and his family. I also feel for ryans family because there is a man out there walking free and he will kill again if they dont catch him all of this is wrong and have never cried so much over someone i didnt know but his story got to me i want a appeal for him

I was very saddened to hear Joseph Bearden was found guilty of second degree murder. God knows the truth and may Mr Bearden's lawyers see him through another trial.

THANK GOD HE WAS FOUND GUILTY!!! Just sorry he won't get
the death penalty! One less drugged out thug in the world. And
his adoptive Mom's lame statements to "spare" her son.
PLEASE!!!!! I hope the victim can now rest in peace and the murderer
lives through the hell in prison the rest of his miserable life..

I don't think Bearden did the murder, but he was involved and was gjuilty of stealing the car. Well Joe, it's a hard way to learn your lesson but didn't anyone tell you – You lie down with dogs – you get fleas.
MAY JUSTICE TRIUMPH – TRUTH PREVAIL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
'

I hope Bearden gets a new trial. I cannot believe he got life for a murder he most likely did not commit. Because of some thugs' testimonies (that was surely false) he is going away for life? granted he might have a drug problem and rob people but that does not make him a murderer.

The judicial system and the prosecutors are a JOKE . a total joke.

That just goes to show that the justice system is screwed up everywhere, not only here in Canada,
my heart goes out to the victims family, BUT, it goes out deeply to Joe, who has to suffer for something some idiot did.
I am sure Joe is no angel, But he does NOT deserve to pay for something he didn't do!!
prying for you JOE!!!

Yvonne-
I hope that one day what just went around in FL with Mr. Bearden doesn't ever come your way. Because I'm sure you wouldn't be saying the same thing you're saying now!
Your comment about grammar and others was very uncalled for!
Joseph Bearden wasn't guilty of murder and there wasn't enough evidence to even charge him with any degree of murder.
If you would have watched the entire trial you would have seen the circus that we all watched. The DA was totally in control of that case from beginning to end! He didn't even get a fair trail this time around!
Bearden is taking the wrap and the fall for the Brown's actions!

We'll see what happens with him. I hope that he can get a new trial and very soon!

Shame on you for being so mean with your words to others.

I have followed this case very closely, and I believe he is guilty. He may not have stabbed him but he definitly played a part in the death of Mr. Skipper. This kid deserves to go to jail. Look at all the other charges that followed him besides the murder. This isn't a guy that has never done anything stupid before. I know his kind because I was that guy as well. He will only learn behind bars. I got lucky, they gave my the military option, and let me kill the bad people. I feel for the victim although I am a homophobe. I hate gay people myself but thats still no reason to kill them or help someone else do it.

Something tells me Smiley isn't going to be smiling for much longer. It's time for a large dose of Karmic payback. And no Bearden, actually, you won't be back.

this is all wrong! i believe the true killers trial is that of his co-defendant. Our system isnt getting any better thats for sure.

I am very indecisive in how I feel about this little boy's conviction. On one hand I am very sad that the jury could not see what I saw...a robber, not a murderer. I am relieved that he will not face the death sentence but he debt to society is still such a harsh one that he will come out of prison a hardened criminal with better connections rather than a rehabilitated man. On the other hand I do believe this "punk" should spend time behind the harsh, cold bars of our criminal justice system. Maybe then he won't be caught in a situation of this magnitude. I do wish nothing but the best for him and hope that he not only forgives himself for being involved at all in what happened that fateful night, but I hope everybody else involved forgives him as well.

Just in case you haven't heard it is now being brought out that Bill Bill actually knew Ryan before that night!
It all makes more sense to me now, why would anyone take someone that they just met anywhere away from their house? Bill Bill didn't want his family to know that he already knew him. It makes be wonder if Ryan drove straight to the Brown's house and the reason he was so nervous was that Bill Bill and Ryan didn't want anyone to know they had something going on. Bill Bill probably supplied his drugs for his habit. That's why he was in the neighborhood and he wasn't worried about being in the area. Then when Bill Bill, Ray Ray and Ryan left the house, Ray Ray msut have put 2 and 2 together and Bill Bill had to kill him to keep everyone else from knowing the truth that he is gay!
Where in the world was his defensive attorney? All there stories being so different makes so much more sense. The smoking gun has just came out just 1 week to late!
To bad for Smiley!

i know im late but i missed the verdict, but im on the fence i do believe if he would have tesitfie do his behalf it would have made him seem more innocent, if he knew he didnt do it then he should have testified, i feel that way in any case. his attorneys even wanted him to testify, but even then, you wont know if hes telling the truth or not..

I think there will be an appeal because there wasn't enough evidence for the jury to convict Joseph of second degree murder. I believe him when he says he didn't know they were going to kill him. I hope he gets a new trial.... he should.

I think Bearden was newcomer to crowd and all those meth users turned on him. I beleive he was invovlved in clean up ,robbery ,but not the acutal murder.I think the Agueros and Browns sticking together. Meth users are liars and and will turn on there own family they have no concept of time,Those tattoos did not help his case. The meth users stick with the dealer and where there meth came from. Bearden went along to be part of the crowd and get his drugs. My heart goes out to Ryan Skipper and family.I smell appeal in this trial and I hope they find the truth out.

I watched the entire trial. J. Bearden is innocent! The Florida residents who want to be on a jury should have to take some kind of IQ test.

I felt like that could have my son, railroaded down a life sentence for nothing more than theft.

I pray he gets a new trial. I also hope that prosecutor's (Cass Castillo) position is an elected one. I am willing to camp out election day to try to get voters make a better choice for his position.

Bill Bill and Ray Ray did it.

I am appauled by this verdict. Angela Tyra should have been able to testify. She had nothing to gain for this information and now she probably fears for her life. For what, a testimony that was not even heard. A innocent BOY is sentenced to life in jail for something he did not do. SHAME ON YOU.

He has admitted to what he has done, give the boy some credit.

I pray there is an appeal for Joesph ASAP.

Jury got it right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those tears didnt fool me good ridence one less sociopath on the streets

I feel so bad for Joseph. I hope and I have faith that see him in a new trial. But the only thing that we can do is to have patience and faith in God. Here in the earth there is not justice, but there is a divine justice that sooner or later will show. We have to continue praying for him and his family, so that God gives them the strenght of continuing supporting everything.

I agree with everything you said Mary. I`ve been praying for Joseph and his family right with you. It`s unfortunate that some people don`t believe in praying or God. They just like saying mean things just to hear themselves talk. I think God will answer our calls and give Joseph a new trial because he knows the court system did him wrong. I think that anyone that says that his trial just fine couldn`t have watched it and is talking a lot of bull. Anybody in their own right mind could see that case was run one sided.Thank you for sharing your comment and God bless you!!

Joey we love and believe in you.We will always be here by your side.And know that soon the truth will come out and you'll be home♥

This is very sad. One life was taken, and the other lives were just thrown away. I didn't watch the whole trial, but nonetheless, I just want to say I find it beyond disbelief that people commit these crimes and expect to get away with them. Don't they ever think about consequences?

I feel extremely sick about what happened to Ryan Skipper and my heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

But at this point, justice has not been served properly in this case, I believe Joseph Bearden is not the murderer, though he has made some extremely terrible, stupid mistakes of doing drugs, being involved with the robbery and tampering with evidence after the fact. I hope he appeals the conviction and wins. I think Jospeh not testifying and him getting those tats on his face where also big mistakes.

And I hope the actual murderers in this case are brought to justice.

I will pray for justice to be served properly in this case.

this trial outraged me..i watched the entire trial and there was no evidence that smiley was there when ryan skipper was killed. he thought they were just going to rob him..by no way did the state prove beyond a reasonable doubt..no way...my heart actually hurts for this young man..he deserved to do time for the acessory after the fact. more of the lesser included crimes but he surely did not deserve a life sentence..the judge didnt allow several of the defense witnesses testify..the murder weapon not being introduced as evidence..i feel the judge was in a hurry to speed up this trial which is also evident by his speedy sentencing. i just pray that an appeal is granted soon..this is definately a CRIME of INJUSTICE! after watching the entire trial...the state had nothing, absolutely nothing..

My heart goes out to both parents of these two young men, their children. Ryan Skipper's mother and father will never share in their son's life again here on earth. Through the tv I saw two very loving families. Parents who cared about their children and were there for them. Joseph's mother did what a loving parent would, asked humbly and kindly to be understood and for HELP! That was not a just trial I am sorry! What happened to No Child Left Behind? Young people need to finish high school, go to college or SERVE THIS COUNTRY! Joseph deserves a better chance, not be discarded amongst so many already hardened people. Yes, he's guilty to a point and deserves some confinment, but NOT LIFE! We can't always choose where we live or the people around us. Joseph did not choose good people to spend time with. When I saw his face I was saddened at first. I saw Joseph go within himself several times to sheild himself. Joseph needs someone to help him understand he needs to become responsible first to GOD, then to Ryan's parents, to his parents, to his community, to this country and for himself! Ryan is out of reach of we humans, but completly in GOD's HANDS! I saw Joseph show love for his mother, isn't that a start for a child who wasn't given much of a start? Both parents have lost a child, we all have! May they all keep GOD in their hearts and more than ever may GOD continue to BLESS this country!

he was an accessory to murder and by his great tattoo; he sealed his fate

I believe he did play a part or have some kind knowledge or involvement in this crime. I don't believe the jury got a clear picture of the entire case, due to the evidence that wasn't allowed in the trial. He should get a re trial, and have more experienced counsel defending him. This is just a sad story.

If you see his reaction after the fact of being found guilty....come on!!!! The man has NO remorse for the man that was killed....if you hear the lawyer saying to him in the court after he gets "smart with the judge" saying "do what you ganna do anyway" the lawyer "tells him" say something about the family. So he wasn't going to say anything at all and show no remorse for the man that was killed or the family....so Joe has a long time to think about what he did wrong!! So in my opinion he had no remorse, no compassion for life and did not care at all. I now feel no remorse for him at all and the jury did a great job....thank you jury for taking a dangerous person off of the street.

I wept as I watched and listened to Josephs mother ask for mercy for her son.There are millions of addicts in this world. Some who will be locked up forever, for doing something under the influence, that they would never even think about doing sober. What a sad, sad, story.

i watched most of the trial.was amazed how this kid basically wrote his own ticket to prison by his nonchant attitude and fearsome looking tatts. but when he began to speak to the judge i realized in a moment he is a really scared kid looking at 25 to life in prison. i believe he has admitted his part in mr skippers demise but twos wrongs dont always make it right. an appeal will take YEARS. what a terrible tragedy

i knew joseph(joey) personally and i can tell you, he would have NEVER actually MURDERED someone! go look at his arrest record on polksherriffs.com, the only thing he has ever been guilty for in public intoxication, and vehicle theft! The jury didnt even let him finish his testomony! And when he DID talk nobody belived him...
take from somebody who knew him well, he was NEVER good with words, his speech isnt all that well! In my eyes the jury broke the law by judging him with 2nd degree murder with NO evidence! joy is not very good under peer pressure, he has a hard time saying "no", and anyone who knew him, knows that even if he did help clean the vehicle, he did NOT commit the murder!

I'm glad he got life in prison. He's gonna be getting boned up the little behind for this stunt ... and I couldn't be any happier!!!

kristen B – i do believe you in fact i took your advice and checked polk co sheriff logs and indeed you are telling the truth about his criminal past- so now how do or do we contact about an appeal????????

i hope joey gets a new trail ray allen brown and bill bill is the ones who did it hang in the joey the truth will set you free soon

He's guilty and appeals take years. May he enjoy his nice long stay. And the truth did set him free!!! In jail!!!