WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Jury selection began Friday for a man accused of stabbing and killing a 14-year-old boy in Palm Beach Gardens more than four years ago.
Semmie Williams Jr., who police described as a "homeless drifter," faces a charge of first-degree murder in the November 2021 death of Ryan Rogers.
WATCH BELOW: Jury selection begins for suspect accused of killing teen in 2021
Rogers was riding his bike near his home when police said he was randomly attacked and stabbed to death by Williams, who had no ties to the community or the teen.
WPTV is inside the courtroom, reporting on the latest developments of the trial.
On Friday morning, Williams changed his insanity plea to not guilty, appearing in court wearing a buttoned-down shirt and a suit jacket. The state attorney's office argued that revoking the insanity plea will make any defense for mental illness void moving forward.
Hours later, he asked the judge if he could fire his representation, but ultimately decided to keep them on board for the trial.
During jury selection, 31 potential jurors told the court they knew details of the case, including four who said they recognized Williams. The judge excused a total of 34 jurors on Friday, leaving a pool of 66 potential jurors to return on Monday.
No jurors have officially been selected yet.
Court officials say jury selection will continue Monday morning.
Court documents show they could go through 60-150 potential jurors.
Dave Aronberg, who was the Palm Beach County state attorney at the time the teen was killed, initially sought the death penalty for Williams. But in 2024, although several doctors deemed Williams competent to stand trial, two years before a judge blocked the death penalty due to mental illness.
The trial is expected to last until Jan. 21.
