WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Semmie Williams trial is set to continue today after an emotional first day of testimony and presentation of evidence on Thursday.
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Williams is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of 14-year-old Ryan Rogers, who was riding his bike near his home in Palm Beach Gardens in November 2021 when police said he was randomly attacked and stabbed to death by Williams, who had no ties to the community or the teen.
Among those to take the stand Friday morning is Kelly Behnke, a senior forensic scientist at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. She testified to having conducted three rounds of DNA testing on the evidence in this case.
On Thursday, both sides presented their opening statements, outlining the witnesses they plan to call and the evidence they intend to present.
The state called Cynthia Rogers, Ryan's mother, who was emotional on the stand as she gave testimony about the night her son disappeared.
Other witnesses included Palm Beach Gardens Police Department Crime Scene Investigator Paige Cohen and Jupiter realtor Matthew Lindahl who spotted Ryan's body.
The state said earlier this week that they will be bringing in roughly 22 witnesses, including Rogers' family members.
The trial is now expected to end on Jan. 22.
