JTVCC Riot Trial Day 10: Inmates identify defendants involved in attacks

WILMINGTON, Del. – We have the latest on the James T. Vaughn riot trial, the murder case surrounding the deadly riot at the prison last February, where 18 inmates are charged for rioting, 16 for the death of Lieutenant Steven Floyd.

We continue our coverage with the first group of three inmates up for trial, Dwayne Staats, Deric Forney and Jarreau Ayers.

Witnesses who took the stand Monday helped both the state and the defense. On one hand we had witnesses saying they saw some of the defendants attacking correctional officers during the riot. On the other hand, we heard testimony that could put in question the credibility of one of the state’s witnesses.

The big moment for the state came when inmate Abdul-Hafid As-Salafi testified that he saw defendant Deric Forney along with two others attacking CO Joshua Wilkinson.

He also claims he saw defendant Jarreau Ayers and others beating Lt. Steven Floyd while he was on the ground.

Meanwhile, the big moment for the defense came during the cross examination of inmate Wade Smith. During cross they brought up Smith’s original statement to police about Royal Downs, one of the state’s key witnesses, who has already taken a plea deal. In that statement Smith told police that Downs orchestrated the entire riot.

Court will resume Wednesday as the courts will close Tuesday for the election.