Press Release: Mistrial Declared in Home Depot Murder Case Due to Juror Misconduct
PENSACOLA, FL – A Florida judge declared a mistrial in the controversial Home Depot murder case involving Sheila Agee, who stands accused of assisting her son in the fatal shooting of Brooklyn Sims at a Pensacola store last year. After over five hours of jury deliberations, Judge Coleman Robinson cited concerns about a juror’s behavior as the primary reason for the mistrial.
The issue arose with juror Sallie Sue Smith, who was seen working on crossword puzzles during both witness testimony and jury deliberations. Judge Robinson expressed dismay at the juror’s lack of seriousness and focus, emphasizing that such conduct was inappropriate in a murder trial. Smith defended her actions, claiming the puzzles helped her concentrate, and she was not aware it was unacceptable.
The trial, which included testimony from nearly 20 witnesses, was described by Robinson as "hindered beyond repair." Concerns were raised by other jurors about their safety during deliberations, prompting the judge to individually question them about their comfort levels in continuing. Smith acknowledged being in the minority in the deliberation room, which led to loud disagreements among jurors.
Sheila Agee, 50, faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder and is accused of using text messages to coordinate the planning of Sims’ murder with her son, Keith Agee, 20, who is also charged in the case. The Espicambia County Sheriff’s Office has highlighted the shocking nature of the allegations against a mother who is believed to have helped her son target Sims, who was also her co-worker.
The case will return to court on February 5, 2024, with hopes for a new jury to approach the evidence with due seriousness and decorum.
Source
Photo credit www.foxnews.com
