UPDATED: Jury Brings No Convictions in 2nd Vaughn Prison Riot Trial
Image courtesy DOC
UPDATED – 2/18 – 3:30pm – WGMD has learned there have been no convictions for the for defendants in the 2nd trial in the Vaughn Prison riot. Corrections officials say the jury did not come to a conclusion on the murder, riot and assault charges for Obadiah Miller or the riot charge for John Bramble. The state may choose to re-try them in the future. Kevin Berry and Abednego Baynes were acquitted of all charges. This is the second group of defendants on trial for the assault, riot and kidnap of three correctional officers and the murder of CO Lt. Steven Floyd.
So far after seven defendants have gone on trial, just one, Dwayne Staats – who was in the first group tried – has been convicted of murder. Staats and Jarreau Ayers were both also found guilty in the first trial of riot, assault, kidnapping and conspiracy.
Commissioner Phelps Issues Statement on Outcome of Second Trial
“We are disappointed by the news today, but we respect the decisions made by the men and women of the jury. We are grateful for the efforts of the Delaware State Police and the Department of Justice who tirelessly pursued justice on behalf of our fallen officer. Regardless of the outcome, the DOC will remain: One Family, One Team.”
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UPDATED – 2/18 – 11:20am – The jury in the second Vaughn trial has a note. People are gathering in courtroom 8B now
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Closing arguments are underway in the trial of the four inmates charged in the death of Correctional Officer Steve Floyd during the 2017 prison riot at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna.
The closing arguments began on Monday and are resuming today. Court records indicate that a count of “intentional murder” against the four defendants has been dropped, however they’re still facing “felony murder” charges.
This is the second trial related to the Vaughn Prison Riot.
