Russell’s Fanny Pack is Real

Russell Myers in the Deadly Sins Reenactment

Several people who watched the preview teaser for tonight’s ‘Deadly Sins’ episode, got a kick out of the fanny pack worn by Russell Myers. There really was a fanny pack, and it turns out to be a key piece of evidence in the crime. The pack, with blood droplets and deposit slips in Myer’s and Ms. Striano’s name was found in killer Billy Retherford’s bedroom during the investigation!

UPDATE: Here’s the follow-up post on the cases: http://wp.me/p2xg12-MN

Dustin Jaye Sentenced to Life

Dustin Jaye

Dustin Jaye, convicted of murdering Debbie Striano in Trhee Oaks with his uncle Billy Retherford, who was later killed in a standoff with police. Since the murder occurred during a felony, it qualified as a first degree murder, and in Florida, First Degree Murder mandates life in prison without parole. Today’s sentencing was merely a necessary formality, as Jaye was destined to never be released from the time the jury found him guilty.

Dustin Jaye Found Guilty of Murder

Dustin Jaye

After three hours of deliberation today, the jury found Jaye guilty of 1st degree Murder, Burglary, and animal cruelty. Sentencing is set for May 19, but a life sentence is mandatory on a 1st degree murder charge.

Jaye’s defense had argued that uncle Billy Retherford committed the killing, and that Jaye had nothing to do with it. However, witnesses at trial, including Jaye’s own sister, testified that he planned the burglary, and a cellmate from jail testified that he admitted to his role in the burglary, which makes him legally responsible for the murder.

UPDATE: Here’s the follow-up post on the cases, post Deadly Sins coverage: http://wp.me/p2xg12-MN

Murder Trial Underway in Fort Myers

Dustin Jaye

Yesterday a major murder trial got started with jury selection in the Lee County Courthouse. Dustin Jaye is on trial for his alleged role in the killing of Three Oaks resident Debbie Striano. His uncle, Billy Retherford, was also implicated in the killing.  It was a vicious killing, as Ms. Striano’s throat was deeply cut, and even the dog was slashed.

Retherford allegedly killed another person while on the lam,  and then died in a shootout with law enforcement when they tried to take him into custody. That presents a hurdle for prosecutors to prove Jaye’s role in the case, as the Defense has a readily available person to blame for the killing.

Billy Retherford

However, court documents reveal the State has witnesses that will tie Jaye to the planning of the robbery. If he is guilty of taking part of the robbery, under Florida’s principal theory, he is also guilty of murder for anyone who is killed during the robbery. Jury selection is expected to last a couple days, and there is at least one suppression issue the court must address regarding the admissibility of evidence.