Home / Crime and Justice / Teen Murder Trial Begins: Self-Defense Claim
Teen Murder Trial Begins: Self-Defense Claim
14 Jan
Summary
- Jury selection is underway for the double homicide case.
- The accused, Issiah Ross, pleaded not guilty and claims self-defense.
- Ross rejected a plea bargain offering two counts of second-degree murder.
Jury selection has begun for Issiah Ross, who stands accused of the double homicide of Lyric Woods and Devin Clark. The events transpired over two years ago in Orange County. Ross, who was 17 when the alleged crimes occurred, is now being tried as an adult. He has entered a plea of not guilty and is mounting a defense based on self-defense.
This significant legal proceeding is moving forward after Ross rejected a plea bargain offer on Monday. The proposed deal would have seen the charges reduced to two counts of second-degree murder, thereby avoiding a potential sentence of life without parole. Ross declined to make a counteroffer, signaling his intent to proceed with a trial.
The court has approved consolidating the charges into a single trial and will allow for witness exclusion, with some exceptions. Nine expert witnesses, including an FBI special agent and a forensic scientist, are expected to testify. The judge estimates the trial could last for two weeks, with measures being taken to ensure the jury's separation from family members.
