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Thread: Othal Toreyane Resh Wallace Sentenced to 30 Years in 2021 FL Slaying of Officer Jason Raynor

  1. #11
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    Man who came to Daytona Beach with guns in support of Othal Wallace gets 2 years in prison

    By Frank Fernandez
    The Daytona Beach News-Journal

    A prosecutor said an Arizona man chose the wrong cause to support when he flew to Daytona Beach to raise money for the legal defense of Othal Wallace, who is accused of killing a Daytona Beach Police officer.

    But where Kentay Thomas, 32, really went wrong was bringing along two firearms, body armor and ammunition and walking around with a concealed gun even though his Arizona concealed carry permit had been suspended, Assistant State Attorney Mark Interlicchio Jr. said.

    Circuit Judge Elizabeth Blackburn found Thomas’ actions concerning during a hearing on Friday when she adjudicated him guilty on two counts of carrying a concealed firearm and sentenced him to two years in prison followed by five years probation. He received credit for 289 days time served.

    Each charge is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Blackburn noted that Thomas had only a minor criminal record and that he was not charged with a violent act.

    “Although not violent in nature, they cause great concern for the safety of this community,” Blackburn said.

    The judge also ordered Thomas to forfeit the two guns and body armor that were seized during his arrest.

    Blackburn said she couldn't consider the charges in a vacuum and noted that Thomas’ wife testified that he was a good husband and a good father to his three children.

    Thomas was arrested on July 8, 2021, just 15 days after Othal Wallace was accused of gunning down Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor on June 23 in an apartment building parking lot, according to a charging affidavit.

    Raynor died 55 days later. The community rallied around Raynor and his family, offering prayers and money to help pay for the fallen officer’s medical care.

    Wallace is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail awaiting trial on a charge for first-degree murder. State Attorney R.J. Larizza’s office is seeking the death penalty.

    Kentay Thomas arrives in Florida

    Thomas flew into Daytona Beach on July 4 with the firearms checked in his baggage. Thomas wrote on Instagram that he was going to "cause hell" at the Daytona Beach Police Department, according to a charging affidavit.

    The charging affidavit also states that Thomas was affiliated with the same militia to which Wallace once belonged. Wallace had left the militia by the time he was accused of shooting Raynor. Thomas was affiliated with the New Black Panther Party and the Not F****** Around Coalition, or NFAC, according to the charging affidavit.

    On July 7, police saw an Instagram video in which Thomas said he had a video of a police car stalking his room, according to the affidavit. Thomas also said in a video that "if they ever decide to kick in my door, you all are in for some trouble," according to the affidavit.

    Police and deputies arrested Thomas on July 8. Thomas was carrying a concealed firearm but his concealed carry permit had been suspended in Arizona.

    One of Thomas’ defense attorneys, Channa Lloyd, said on Friday that he never received the document telling him it was suspended.

    Lloyd called Thomas’ wife to testify on Friday about Thomas’ character.

    Markreach Muldrow, 31, said they had been together for 11 years and had three children, ages 8, 5 and 4.

    “He is the man any woman would want,” Muldrow said. “A family man. He takes care of our kids.”

    She said since his arrest, Thomas had missed his 8-year-old daughter’s first track meet, all three kids’ birthdays and Christmas. She said the children are sad and wonder when their father will be home again.

    “He was always there from day one in the home there with our kids raising them right,” Muldrow said. “He’s the type of person that will wake up and be like ‘We are throwing a barbecue for the homeless today; get everything ready.’ He’s a people person. He helps. This is just crazy, this whole situation.”

    'He travels like that'

    During cross examination, Assistant State Attorney Interlicchio asked her about the homeless comment.

    “Would you agree that there’s a huge difference between say helping out the homeless and helping out somebody who in cold blood murdered a police officer?” Interlicchio said.

    “Yeah, there’s a huge difference,” she said.

    He asked her about whether she and Thomas had discussed him coming to Daytona Beach. She said they had.

    “And you thought it was a good idea,” Interlicchio said.

    “What he was coming out here to do, yes,” she said.

    “You think it’s a good idea to raise money for a cop killer?” Interlicchio said.

    “Hmmm no,” Muldrow said. “I think it’s a good idea to raise money for someone to have a good lawyer to defend his case.”

    “Somebody who murdered a cop,” Interlicchio said.

    “Object, your honor,” Thomas’ other defense attorney, Mike Mann said. “Othal Wallace, he has not even been convicted.”

    “Counsel rephrase,” Blackburn instructed Interlicchio.

    “An alleged cop killer,” Interlicchio said. “You think that’s a good cause for him to take up?"

    “I think it’s a good cause to raise money to get a good lawyer for somebody in court,” Muldrow said.

    “Did you have any discussion why he needed body armor?” Interlicchio asked.

    “No,” she said.

    “So he took that on his own,” he said.

    “Yes, he travels with that,” she said.

    “An assault rifle?” Interlicchio said.

    “He travels with that,” she said

    “Hundreds of rounds of ammunition,” he asked.

    “Shooting range,” she said.

    “And another handgun?” he asked.

    “Yeah, he travels with that,” she said.

    Under questioning by Lloyd, Muldrow said that Thomas knew Wallace through social media and had only met him in person once or twice.

    During her argument, Lloyd told the judge that prosecutors had twice offered Thomas plea deals. Once they offered him a year and a day in prison, which he declined. Then, in March, they offered him time served, which they withdrew before he could accept, Lloyd said.

    Lloyd argued that Thomas had a right to travel and pass out flyers expressing why he thought it was important to raise money for good legal representation.

    “In these times and this current day and age there are a number of protests that have happened and brought people from all kinds of locations,” Lloyd said. “This is not a unique or novel idea.”

    Interlicchio argued that Thomas was trying to do suicide by cop or bait law enforcement into a confrontation in which police officers would have died because Thomas was well-armed.

    “He says if they come through that door he’s going to get a few shots off,” Interlicchio said of Thomas’ social media posts.

    Lloyd said Thomas did not do anything to bait police.

    https://www.news-journalonline.com/s...on/7410210001/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  2. #12
    Senior Member CnCP Addict maybeacomedian's Avatar
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    I'd be willing to bet that this Kentay Thomas individual will murder when he gets out of prison in two years. He's clearly been radicalized. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets his own thread on this forum in the future.

  3. #13
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    Edited:

    Man accused of killing Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor appears before judge

    By Frank Fernandez
    The Daytona Beach News-Journal

    Attorneys say they have interviewed about 25 to 30 witnesses to the shooting death of a Daytona Beach police officer last year and that they have about the same number yet to question.

    During a pre-trial hearing Friday for Othal Wallace, who is accused of killing Jason Raynor last year, told a judge during a hearing Friday that he was having no issues communicating with his defense attorneys.

    Wallace, 30, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer in the June 2021 killing of the 26-year-old Raynor. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

    Wallace appeared before Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano for a case management conference in a courtroom at the Volusia County Branch Jail, where Wallace is being held without bond.

    Zambrano asked about any communication issues as part of a routine check on the progress of the case which is set to go to trial in April.

    "Mr. Wallace has there been any issues as far as communication with your lawyers?" Zambrano said.

    Wallace, whose hands were handcuffed, took off his face mask and responded "no sir."

    That was the only statement Wallace made to the judge. He met with his lawyers, Terry Shoemaker and Tim Pribisco, before the hearing.

    Earlier in the hearing, Zambrano asked about the progress on depositions.

    Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak said they had spent several days taking depositions and still had more to do.

    Shoemaker said 25 to 30 witnesses had been deposed, which was about half the people that they needed to depose.

    Shoemaker said attorneys were also working on legal motions to send to the judge.

    The judge asked if the state had any evidence left in the crime lab.

    Urbanak said there was nothing left in the crime lab. But he will add a couple more witnesses of officers who were present in Georgia where Wallace was arrested.

    "And all the information has been turned over to the defense?" Zambrano asked.

    Urbanak said it had.

    Zambrano said that the next case management conference will take place at the S. James Foxman Justice Center, 251 N. Ridgewood Ave. in Daytona Beach.

    The judge set the next conference for August 8 at 1:30 p.m.

    https://www.news-journalonline.com/s...ge/7532263001/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  4. #14
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    Trial date set for Othal Wallace, man accused of killing Daytona Beach officer

    Jury selection to begin on April 3, 2022

    By Christie Zizo
    clickorlando.com

    VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Othal Wallace, the man facing first-degree murder charges for the death of a Daytona Beach police officer, will stand trial in April 2023 for the crime.

    The judge in the case ruled Monday that jury selection would start in the case on April 3, 2023.

    Wallace is accused of shooting Officer Jason Raynor in the head in June 2021. Raynor was investigating a suspicious vehicle at the time.

    Raynor died 55 days later from the gunshot wound.

    Wallace was arrested after a multi-state manhunt.

    Wallace faces the death penalty if convicted.

    https://www.clickorlando.com/news/lo...beach-officer/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  5. #15
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    Edited:

    Othal Wallace, accused of killing Officer Jason Raynor, may get additional attorney

    By Frank Fernandez
    The Daytona Beach News-Journal

    Othal Wallace, the man accused of gunning down Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, will likely get a third lawyer who will bring more death-penalty defense experience to his team.

    Wallace appeared on Monday before Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

    Wallace, 30, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder in the killing of 26-year-old Raynor.

    Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Wallace, who is scheduled to go on trial April 3.

    Assistant State Attorney Jason Lewis on Monday said prosecutors were ready for trial.

    Attorneys Terry Shoemaker and Tim Pribisco from St. Augustine are representing Wallace.

    Zambrano had previously expressed concern about Wallace's defense attorneys' qualifications in death penalty cases. On Monday, the judge received some reassurance.

    Pribisco said that they had been speaking with attorney Garry Wood from Palatka about joining the defense because of Wood's experience in death penalty cases. Pribisco said they anticipated Wood to join Wallace's defense team this week.

    "We want to make sure that it's a good fit for Mr. Wallace," Pribisco said.
    Zambrano is familiar with Woods.

    "I know Mr. Woods has been around probably longer than I've been around and most certainly is very well-versed in the matters that are going to come before the court," Zambrano said. "I welcome him if he decides to join your team."

    Zambrano also noted that the case has received regular media coverage and he asked Wallace's attorneys that if they were inclined to ask for a change of venue, "a fair amount of notice would be appreciated" because of the difficult logistics involved.

    Zambrano said that if they wanted to try to pick a jury in Volusia County, he was looking at moving the trial to the courthouse in DeLand, which he said would be better suited for the trial.

    Zambrano addressed Wallace directly at one point.

    "Mr. Wallace, is everything OK with you and your attorneys?" Zambrano asked.

    "Yes, sir, " Wallace said.

    Zambrano also said he wanted the attorneys to address motions dealing with the constitutionality of the death penalty this year. The judge set a "default date" for the next hearing on Wallace's case for Dec. 28.

    https://www.news-journalonline.com/s...r/10522304002/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  6. #16
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    Edited:

    Othal Wallace's attorneys seek locations of Jason Raynor's GoFundMe donors


    By Frank Fernandez
    The Daytona Beach News-Journal

    Attorneys for Othal Wallace are seeking the addresses or locations of everyone who donated to a GoFundMe fundraiser for Jason Raynor, the Daytona Beach police officer Wallace is accused of gunning down.

    Prosecutors have filed a document opposing the request and are asking for a hearing to lodge their objections.

    Wallace, 30, was indicted on a charge of first-defree murder of a law enforcement officer in Raynor's killing last year. His trial is scheduled to start with jury selection on April 3. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

    Defense attorney Terry Shoemaker filed a notice on Dec. 12 that he would subpoena records from Cogency Global Inc./GoFundMe in Sacramento, California.

    The subpoena would seek “Any and all information which would demonstrate the address, location or other geographical information related to the donors to the 'Daytona Beach Officer Jason Raynor Recovery Fund,'” according to the notice.

    On Dec. 19, Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak filed a motion objecting to the Shoemaker’s notice and asking for a hearing on the matter. Urbanak’s motion did not give a reason for the objection.

    The State Attorney's Office did not respond to an email from The News-Journal regarding the objection.

    Shoemaker wrote in an email to The News-Journal that the information had to do with a possible change of venue.

    “It will be utilized if we decide to file for a change of venue,” Shoemaker wrote.

    The Daytona Beach Officer Jason Raynor Recovery Fund raised $388,915 from more than 5,000 donations, according to its GoFundMe page.

    Wallace is scheduled for a case-management conference at 8:30 this morning before Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano at the S. James Foxman Justice Center in Daytona Beach.

    Zambrano had asked attorneys to file motions in time to hear them during the next case-management conference. And there are a number of motions on the docket dealing with the death penalty or with jury selection.

    One motion seeks to declare Florida’s death penalty statute as unconstitutional, which is a motion that defense attorneys regularly file in such cases and one that trial judges regularly deny.

    Another motion seeks to have jurors individually questioned rather than in a group to avoid a response by one potential juror being heard by another.

    Another motion seeks to require prosecutors to show the defense the comments of victim impacts statements before they are presented to the jury in case the defense wants to object.

    Another motion objects to the premeditation language used in the jury instructions.

    https://sports.yahoo.com/othal-walla...r%20objections.
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  7. #17
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    Othal Wallace trial in police officer Jason Raynor's killing rescheduled for July

    Defense attorneys for Othal Wallace will not seek addresses for GoFundMe donors

    By Frank Fernandez
    The Daytona Beach News-Journal

    The murder trial for Othal Wallace, the man accused of killing Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, has been pushed back to July 31.

    The trial was originally scheduled to start April 3 with jury selection.

    Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Wallace, who was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer in Raynor's death in 2021.

    During a hearing on Dec. 28, Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano reset the trial for July 31 when attorneys will begin to pick a jury.

    Wallace's attorneys also have withdrawn their request for records seeking the addresses or locations of everyone who donated to a GoFundMe fundraiser for Raynor.

    Defense attorney Terry Shoemaker had filed a notice on Dec. 12 that he would subpoena records from Cogency Global Inc./GoFundMe in Sacramento, California.

    The subpoena would seek “Any and all information which would demonstrate the address, location or other geographical information related to the donors to the 'Daytona Beach Officer Jason Raynor Recovery Fund,'” according to the notice.

    Shoemaker wrote in a previous email to The News-Journal that the information had to do with a possible change of venue.

    The fund raised $388,915 from more than 5000 donations, according to its GoFundMe page.

    On Dec. 19, Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak filed a motion objecting to Shoemaker’s notice and requested a hearing on the matter. Urbanak’s motion did not give a reason for the objection.

    Shoemaker withdrew his request for the GoFundMe records Jan. 3.

    Shoemaker wrote in an email on Monday that the defense withdrew the request because "we were able to find out what we needed without doing (a) third-party subpoena. "

    Asked whether that meant the defense would obtain the addresses and locations another way, Shoemaker wrote: "We have everything we need in order to move forward."

    Shoemaker wrote that the trial date had been moved due to a number of factors, the biggest being that defense attorney Garry Wood was not available until then.

    The State Attorney's Office declined to comment when asked by The News-Journal about the change in trial date or the GoFundMe development.

    Zambrano also ruled on some motions during the December hearing.

    Zambrano held in abeyance until necessary a decision at jury selection on whether he would grant additional peremptory challenges. A peremptory challenge allows an attorney to dismiss a potential juror without giving a reason.

    Zambrano also denied defense arguments to declare unconstitutional three aggravators: cold, calculated and premeditated; heinous, atrocious and cruel; and hindering the lawful exercise of government function or enforcement of laws.

    The aggravators were among those listed by prosecutors in their notice of intent to seek the death penalty. Jurors must find that prosecutors have proven at least one aggravator before they can consider whether to recommend that Wallace be sentenced to death.

    Among other actions, Zambrano also granted a motion to require the state to first provide victim impact statements outside the presence of the jury.

    https://www.news-journalonline.com/s...e/69789977007/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  8. #18
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    Attorney for accused Daytona Beach cop killer Othal Wallace to request change of venue

    By Frank Fernandez
    The Daytona Beach News-Journal

    An attorney for Othal Wallace, the man accused of killing Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, said Friday he plans to ask for a change of venue in the upcoming trial.

    Wallace was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer in the 26-year-old Raynor's death in 2021. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

    The trial is set to start with jury selection on July 31.

    Wallace, 30, appeared Friday morning in a courtroom at the Volusia County Branch Jail, where most of his hearings have taken place. Authorities have said the hearings are held there for security reasons.

    Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano asked the attorneys to give him as much lead time as possible if they had to move the trial.

    "Your honor, I've been working on that motion. I'll probably have that finished within the next week. Then, we'll file that and we'll hear it at the next hearing date," said Terry Shoemaker, one of Wallace's defense attorneys.

    Zambrano said if the trial needs to be moved, he would speak to the attorneys privately about possible locations.

    "At some point in time, I think if there is a need to change venue, I'll have an ex-parte communication with all of you as far taking your input where we should go," Zambrano said. "But for safety reasons, I don't think I'll be making that information public at anytime until it's time to do so."

    https://news.yahoo.com/attorney-accu...192457555.html
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  9. #19
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
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    Attorneys for man accused of killing Daytona Beach police officer request change of venue

    Othal Wallace’s attorneys also file motion to strike portions of indictment

    By Samantha Dunne
    clickorlando.com

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The attorneys for a man accused of shooting and killing a Daytona Beach police officer shooting and killing a Daytona Beach police officer in June 2021 filed motions for a change of venue and to strike portions of the indictment, court records show.

    Othal Wallace was charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Officer Jason Raynor, 26, who was shot in the head and died 55 days later in August 2021 from his injuries.

    According to court documents, Wallace’s attorneys filed a motion for a change of venue due to the fact “the publicity in Daytona Beach and surrounding counties in Central Florida was and continues to be overwhelming, constant and pervasive; and its content has been uniformly negative about Othal Wallace.”

    Court records show his legal team wants the case moved to Alachua County, citing a higher concentration of African American people living there and lower mean income.

    Additionally, Wallace’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss or strike portions of the indictment specifying that Raynor was in “lawful execution of a law enforcement duty at the time,” adding he “unlawfully detained Mr. Wallace.”

    This comes after Wallace’s trial, previously scheduled for April 3, was pushed back to July 31.

    https://www.clickorlando.com/news/lo...ange-of-venue/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  10. #20
    Moderator Bobsicles's Avatar
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    Trial won't be in Volusia for Othal Wallace, man accused of shooting Daytona Beach officer Jason Raynor

    Frank Fernandez
    The Daytona Beach News-Journal

    The death-penalty trial of Othal Wallace, who is accused of killing Daytona Beach Police Officer Jason Raynor, will be moved from Volusia County, but exactly where is yet to be decided. The judge also anticipates motions over using the new law which allows for non-unanimous jury death recommendations.

    Circuit Judge Raul Zambrano agreed it would be difficult and time-consuming to find a jury in Volusia County for the case, which has received widespread media attention.

    Wallace silently nodded his head when Zambrano agreed to move the trial.

    But Zambrano said he wants to have a further look into the available locations.

    "I don't want to be insensitive to try to be close, but at the end of the day, that may not be an available option," Zambrano said.

    Zambrano also agreed to delay the trial by one month and scheduled it to start on Sept. 5. The defense had asked for a two-month delay. The trial was originally set to start July 31 with jury selection.

    Zambrano also noted that the death penalty law changed on Thursday requiring an 8-to-4 jury recommendation for a judge to sentence someone to death. He said the issue would have to be addressed before the trial.

    The previous law required a jury to unanimously recommend death for the judge to consider using the death penalty.

    "Obviously, because of the change in the law that may or may not be applicable to this case, you are going to have to file the motions with respect to the change in the law so we can address those before we get to trial," Zambrano said.

    Bryan Shorstein, a spokesman for the 7th Circuit State Attorney's Office, said prosecutors would seek to apply the new law in Wallace's trial.

    Othal Wallace, 31, was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer in 26-year-old Raynor's death in 2021. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

    Othal Wallace requests change of venue

    One of Wallace's defense attorneys, Terry J. Shoemaker, repeated arguments he made in a motion during Friday's hearing in the courtroom at the Volusia County Branch Jail. Shoemaker said the case has received a lot of publicity, Raynor was a police officer and many people donated to the slain officer's GoFundMe page. He said all those factors would make it difficult to find a jury in Volusia County.

    Shoemaker wants the trial moved to Alachua County and out of the 7th Circuit, which covers Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam counties.

    Wallace's attorneys had suggested three counties – Alachua, Leon and Broward – but specifically asked for Alachua in their motion.

    Shoemaker said Alachua County was more in line with Volusia County than St. Johns County, which the state had recommended. Shoemaker said race, income and political status in St. Johns were different Volusia.

    Zambrano said choosing a venue is not a simple task and has a lot of demographic variables. Zambrano said many counties don't have sufficient court and security facilities. He said had checked with one county, which he did not name, which said it did not want the trial there. Zambrano said the county had construction issues.

    Assistant State Attorney Jason Lewis opposed the move to Alachua County and suggested instead Putnam County or St. Johns County. Lewis said there was no court decision saying that he must find a racially or economically equal county.

    Lewis said that Lake and Marion counties were very similar in economic and Black communities.

    "The defense has selected three heavily Democratic counties," Lewis said.

    Lewis said he would like to keep the trial in the 7th Circuit.

    Zambrano said he would take the issue under consideration.

    Wallace sat between Shoemaker and his other defense attorney, Tim Pribisco Jr. Wallace's third defense attorney, Garry Wood, sat nearby.

    Hearing regarding evidence about Raynor

    Pribisco asked to delay the trial because he said they have received a "significant amount of discovery" since February.

    "The most significant aspect is the disclosure of an internal investigations report as to some allegations of a false arrest committed by the decedent in this case," Pribisco said.

    He said a hearing is scheduled for May 25 on the admissibility of the evidence.

    He said they had also received about 1,000 pages of new medical records.

    Lewis said prosecutors did not object to a one-month or two-month delay and he said the medical records were not overly complex.

    He said the internal affairs file was a public record they could have requested two years ago.

    The shooting of Officer Raynor

    Raynor was patrolling in an area of Daytona Beach on June 23, 2021, because residents had complained of criminal activity. Raynor went to question Wallace who was sitting in a car outside of an apartment building at 133 Kingston Ave., where Wallace was living with his girlfriend and their children, according to reports.

    Police said Wallace shot Raynor in the head. Raynor’s gun was found still in its holster.

    Wallace was arrested on June 26, 2021, when a task force found him hiding in a treehouse in DeKalb County, Georgia, near Atlanta.

    https://www.news-journalonline.com/s...r/70129656007/
    Thank you for the adventure - Axol

    Tried so hard and got so far, but in the end it doesn’t even matter - Linkin Park

    Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever. - Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt

    I’m going to the ghost McDonalds - Garcello

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