Billings Murder Suspect Stallworth Wants His Trial Moved

April 20, 2011

The Brewton man charged in the death of Byrd and Melanie Billings wants his trial moved out of Escambia County.

stallworthescmug.jpgDonnie Stallworth is facing two counts of first degree murder in connection with the shooting deaths of the Beulah couple last July — one of seven people charged in the double murder. The former Air Force staff sergeant went on trail last month, but a judge declared a mistrial after a jury could not decide his fate during nine hours of deliberations.

His second trial is set to begin Monday, and now his attorney has filed for a change of  venue to move the case out of Escambia County. The judge is expected to rule on the request in the next few days.

Stallworth was accused of being in the home at time of the murders, armed with a gun. The accusations came from two co-defendants, 16-year old Rakeem Florence and 21-year old Fredrick Thorton. Both pleaded not contest to a lessor second degree murder charge in exchange for their testimony.

Comments

3 Responses to “Billings Murder Suspect Stallworth Wants His Trial Moved”

  1. David Huie Green on April 21st, 2011 6:24 pm

    REGARDING:
    “He did the crime in Escambia Florida, now he should have to face the Judge and pay the piper in Escambia Florida.”

    Of course you’re assuming he did the crime, that’s what a trial is supposed to be about. If everybody decided he was guilty before the trial, he couldn’t get a fair trial.

    He has a right to a fair trial. If there is too much pre trial publicity, it may become impossible to find an impartial jury here. I don’t think such is the case here, but in some instances it is only fair to move it because of such prejudice–judging before being presented with facts and evidence.

    David thinking most don’t remember
    who’s supposed to have done what
    hence fairness isn’t difficult here

  2. lawful citzen on April 21st, 2011 10:52 am

    He did the crime in Escambia Florida, now he should have to face the Judge and pay the piper in Escambia Florida. Was he thinking about someone having mercy or not knowing all the facts when he was doing the crime. He should have mapped out all the circumstances that he may have faced before doing the crime. Please Judges do not grant him and any other offenders the right to have the trials moved, then maybe some of these suckers will think about what they are up against before they start a criminal career.

  3. Sammie on April 21st, 2011 7:49 am

    I’m sure he does want his trial moved… like to Antartica.

    But as my grandfather used to say.. “people in hell want ice water”.