JTVCC Riot Trial Week 4: Closing Arguments

WILMINGTON, Del. – Nearly a month after it started, the trial for three of the men accused of murdering Lieutenant Steven Floyd is wrapping up.

Jarreau Ayers, Dwayne Staats, and Deric Forney are the first three being charged and on Thursday, both sides gave their closing arguments.

The State told the jury on why they believe these three defendants should be found guilty on all counts.

During their close, the State used Staats’ very own testimony, that the riot was his plan and that takeover led to an assault and murder. As for Ayers, the State is labeling him as a shot caller and being involved in the plan. For Forney, the State says he was a foot solider, involved in the attack on one of the correctional officers, as he restrained him in order for the bigger plan to be accomplished.

The defense came back saying, the state had multiple inconsistencies in their argument.

Forney and Ayers claim their innocence and despite admitting he planned the riot, Staats says he had no plan for anyone to get hurt.

But the State is saying that these men should be held responsible as they all acted as accomplices, which led to the death of Lt. Steven Floyd. Lt. Floyd suffered multiple blunt force trauma and beaten to death.

The jury is set to deliberate tomorrow.