Opening statements are set to start Monday within the case of a retired Tampa police captain who's accused of killing a person throughout an argument over cellphone use in a movie show in 2014.
Six jurors and 4 alternates had been chosen through the four-day jury choice course of. Pasco County Decide Susan Barthle was scheduled to listen to ultimate motions from attorneys on Friday earlier than the second-degree homicide trial begins on Monday morning.
Curtis Reeves, now 79, is accused of fatally capturing 43-year-old Chad Oulson in a Wesley Chapel movie show throughout a displaying of the Mark Wahlberg movie "Lone Survivor" on Jan. 13, 2014.
Prosecutors mentioned Oulson and his spouse had been seated a row forward of Reeves and his spouse. Reeves acquired into an argument with Oulson, who was texting through the film's previews. The Pasco County Sheriff's Workplace mentioned Oulson had been texting his younger daughter's babysitter, CBS affiliate WTSP reported.
Reeves left the theater to complain in regards to the distraction, however the argument escalated when he returned.
Investigators mentioned Oulson threw popcorn on the older man, who the pulled a .380-caliber handgun and shot him. The bullet additionally struck Oulson's spouse, Nicole, within the hand.
The case has been delayed for years as Reeves claimed he feared for his life and sought safety beneath the "stand your floor" legislation. A circuit choose dominated towards him, however Reeves appealed. Lawmakers modified the legislation to shift the burden of proof to prosecutors, however the Florida Supreme Court docket dominated that the adjustments did not have an effect on circumstances retroactively.
Reeves has been residing at dwelling beneath home arrest with a GPS monitor since his launch from jail on bond in July 2014, WTSP reported.
The jury is made up of 5 ladies and 5 males. They may all hear the proof, and will not know who the alternates are till deliberations start.