Overview
- Jury selection complete, the trial began Thursday in West Palm Beach for Semmie Lee Williams Jr., who is charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing of 14-year-old Ryan Rogers.
- Prosecutors detailed DNA, surveillance and cellphone evidence, citing Williams’ DNA under the victim’s nails, on headphones tangled in the bike, and a bloody bandana found in his backpack.
- The defense said Williams believed he was being “gang stalked,” claimed he encountered an unconscious person in the woods, and asserted he did not intentionally kill the boy.
- The judge allowed jurors to see photos from the scene and a wallet note reading “I am Mr. Killer,” overruling a defense objection that the writing would confuse the jury.
- Ryan Rogers’ mother briefly testified about her son’s last bike ride; proceedings continue Friday, and a conviction would carry a mandatory life sentence.