Day one: Jarrett Stokes murder re-trial

WICOMICO CO., Md. – In Wicomico County, an accused murderer is getting a second chance to prove his innocence. 22-year-old Jarrett Stokes is back on trial for his alleged role in the murder of Rakim Russell back in August of 2015.

The state is once again alleging that Jarrett Stokes was in fact the trigger man in the shooting death of Rakim Russell outside America’s Best Value Inn in Wicomico County.

An allegation that the defense was quick to deny, telling the jury time and time again during opening arguments that the state has no clear or physical evidence proving Stokes was even a part of the murder.

But the state believes otherwise. They’re alleging that the high school party at the Inn turned deadly all because Stokes and his friends wanted to “settle” an argument that brewed up between two groups during the party.

A plan that ended with Stokes firing multiple shots into the crowd outside the Inn killing Russell in the process, who was never the intended target.

Several eye witnesses from the party took the stand on Monday all testifying to seeing the co-defendants at the party as well as a runaway white car after shots were fired.

But so far not one witness has able to place Stokes at the party or in the runaway car. More eye witnesses from inside the getaway car and at the party are expected to take the stand Tuesday.

Stokes was found guilty of murder for his role in the shooting death of Rakim Russell at America’s Best Value Inn back in 2016.