WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — WPTV is in the courtroom for day three of jury selection in the trial of Semmie Williams Jr., the man accused of killing 14-year-old Ryan Rogers in Palm Beach Gardens in November 2021.
WPTV's Kayla McDermott says a brief recess was called on Tuesday morning, so that Williams could talk to his attorneys about an issue with law enforcement. He claims he feels threatened by PBSO deputies in the jail and that they are coming into his cell and stealing things.
Williams said he is still satisfied with his attorneys even though “they have a history of lying to me."
The defense is questioning the jury, and asked them if they knew the term "gang stalking" before the judge cut in to call a half-hour break.
Williams has asked to go into protective custody for the remainder of the trial, which will be discussed later.
As of Monday, roughly 40 jurors remained in the selection process, after a slow start with missing or delayed jurors.
Potential jurors were questioned Monday by Judge Cymonie S. Rowe, the prosecution and defense, to make sure they understand that the state does not need to prove that Rogers' murder was planned, or prove a motive — just that the defendant committed the act.
If a jury is selected this morning, there will be opening statements this afternoon, which will stream on WPTV.com.
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