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Trial Begins For Santa Rosa Man Accused Of Killing Brewton Teen
May 4, 2011
Opening testimony got underway Tuesday in the trial of the Santa Rosa County man accused in the February 2010 shooting death of an 18-year old Brewton man in the Berrydale community of north Santa Rosa county.
Robert Franklin Floyd, now 22, is charged with second degree murder with a firearm and one count of shooting into an occupied vehicle in connection with the death of Getyron Lopez Benjamin.
Benjamin was allegedly shot after four people from Brewton arrived at a party at Floyd’s home on Country Mill Road. Floyd allegedly fired at their vehicle as they were leaving the residence following an altercation.
Floyd’s trial is expected to take up to two weeks.
Comments
39 Responses to “Trial Begins For Santa Rosa Man Accused Of Killing Brewton Teen”
All the facts have been presented, and the truth has come forward.. Floyd has been found guilty on all charges.. I think its fair for me to say that alot of bad decisions was made that night.. Sad, Sad, Sad…. I attended the trial and ALOT of detailed facts were presented in the case, which resulted in his verdict. But at the end of the day it was still sad actually watching the pain that both families had to endure during the entire process, because both party’s loved their kid and that was very obvious the last 8 days..
It amazes me how insensitive some people can be. You all portray Robert as a monster, but he is someones son, brother, loved one, bestfriend, and even youth leader. Not once have any of us said anything negative about the boys and girls that caused the situation. All I know is this situation is a horrible. I hate that Gus lost his life and I sympathize for his family and friends.. and I know its hard but being hateful will not make the problem better. Outsiders that don’t know what happened don’t need to talk.. The media will push out the negative and bend the truth for a good story. Bottom line, if you don’t know details please don’t run your mouth. What we all should be doing is praying. God will have His way and it is all in His hands. Rob has turned his life around and is amazing follower of the Lord. In my opinion, if the greatest person ever can forgive him.. all of the sinners should too. Afterall, all sins are equal. So stop acting like you have never made a mistake and just continue to pray for the best. God Bless.
“” If they were actually trying to leave without causing any problems then they would have had plenty of time before he was able to retrieve a weapon and return fire. I say this due to the simple fact of how this particular portion of the driveway runs. Had they truly been leaving then the vehicle would have been concealed by trees and bushes and he would not have been able to get a shot at the vehicle. So, they were in the vehicle but they were in no hurry to leave without causing problems. I, too, served in the military and am very capable of defending myself, my loved ones and my property. And if the situation arose I would not hesitate to do just that”"
@R Jay.. The part about the way the driveway runs sounds reasonable to me; If this is true, then it sounds like he wasn’t in the wrong to shoot back. The facts will come out in court; I just hope he doesn’t get a jury that has already made up thier mind one way or the other before the trial starts.
I think Officals has more information than you think so lets just wait and see how it goes. I do think there will be charges filled for the ones in the car for false information.
Think he will be free
This is the bottom line…..no matter how some of you want to pretend that what “Robbie” did was right, he is getting ready to go to prison for a long time. He was wrong for killing this kid and he will pay dearly for it as he should. There is no honor or inspiration in taking the life of another person who was leaving the incident. Hope you guys are telling Robbie the truth about where he will be for the next decade or so……..The Florida Department of Corrections. Maybe he’ll get lucky and stay close to home so some of you people who he has inspired so much can go and visit this criminal on the weekends.
Jay Resident your comment is so true!! He knew right from wrong he’s a grown man not a child! PRISON TIME!!!
i am not defending him and i didnt not say i was defending him. everyone should get a fair trial. you dont know if it was self defense or just mad because they showed up… you dont know you wasnt there . you only know from what news reports say and they are not always right.
i agree if i feel threatened on my property and i tell u to leave and you dont i have the right to protect my self and my children.
This is so sad. One young man faces prison and another family faces a lifetime without their son. We teach our kids, but they don’t always do like they been taught.
I feel bad for both families because if either was my son I would want to be there for him. I am a strong believer never turn your back on your love ones even if they screw up. That doesn’t mean I don’t have a heart for the other person also. It just seems like a lost situation either way you look at it. I pray peace for all involved.
Blame the Alcohol not the consumer.*Sarcasm*
Wow, where is the sympathy for the victims family? They have to read all this mess and wonder if anyone cares about how it’s effected them. A life has been lost regardless of what “really” happened or what we “think” happened. Everyone has choices to make and this choice caused someone’s life to end. I hope and pray that both families recover from this. Someone lost their life.
YALL NEED TO GET REAL. BECAUSE IF THAT WAS UR SON HE SHOT, HE WOULDN’T BE AN INSPIRATION TO YALL… YOU WOULD BE TRYING TO PUT HIM BEHIND BARS… MURDER IS MURDER. U DO THE CRIME U DO THE TIME…
There are a lot of people in prisons that are “good and never did any one wrong” but the fact still remains that the State of Florida found enough to bring him to trial and the State of Florida is not calling it self defense, but murder in the 2nd degree.
There were kegs of beer found at the scene. You don’t mix alcohol and anger. The alcohol can make you do things you wouldn’t have done if you had not been drinking.
“IF” one of the 4 was pointing a gun at Robbie, I don’t think the person with the gun is going to let Robbie walk off and get his gun. Robbie stated the car was driving off when he fired…maybe Robbie only wanted to scare them but hit and killed one instead.
Looks like we need a litle objectivity here. I don’t know the person charged and as far as I’ve been able to tell, don’t know anyone who was at the party or the people in the car.
The question that should come to mind of any reasonable person is whether or not those of you who claim to know the facts, assuming you were there….that’s the only way you could “know the facts”…….Did you give statements to Law enforcement? Have you given your statements to the defence team? Will you be a wittness for the defence? If not, why not? If yes, then you have no business discussing the issue in a public forum before the trial.
Hawghead, apparently you do not have enough facts to pass judgement. First, the vehicle was still on his property, sitting in his driveway, when they fired into the crowd. If they were actually trying to leave without causing any problems then they would have had plenty of time before he was able to retrieve a weapon and return fire. I say this due to the simple fact of how this particular portion of the driveway runs. Had they truly been leaving then the vehicle would have been concealed by trees and bushes and he would not have been able to get a shot at the vehicle. So, they were in the vehicle but they were in no hurry to leave without causing problems. I, too, served in the military and am very capable of defending myself, my loved ones and my property. And if the situation arose I would not hesitate to do just that.
Regardless of anyone’s opinion! God is the ultimate Judge!!!!! We have all done stupid things in our lives.I am very thankful that Robbie found forgiveness in Christ Jesus!!!!!!! I know he is sorry that he took a man’s life and if he could go back and change it ,things would have been different.But he can’t I learned along time ago that we should be careful how we examine other’s lives because we will reap what we sow! I have made statements and later through experience learned that I should have kept my mouth shut! I think alot of people should think on this! We have no idea what tomorrow holds or what will happen to our loved ones!Be careful little mouth what you say!!!!! I pray for you,Robbie! May God have mrecy on you! I also pray for the young man’s family that was taken and his friends!!!! I also pray God would have mercy on all that speak and show their ignorance!!!!!! God bless all!!!!!!!!
As a former Marine I well capable of defending my family, my property and myself. The main difference between myself and this incident is that I have enough sense not mix alcohol and firearms. I also realize that the safety of my family and friends takes priority over drunken anger. Had the people stayed on the property and started shooting at people, then I would have taken them out. Without hesitation.But remember they were driving off and leaving. The safety of those there should have been top priority period. Let’s just wait until the evidence comes out in court and then we will all know what happened..
i think robert floyd should get the maxium sentence. Firing at ppl that where leaving is uncall for. And they dnt have any proof that they was shooting as they left so thats out of the question. They found no shell casings and no residue was on the victims hands. So they need to put Robert in prison and let the inmate tamper with him and let this tail rott in prison. Robert u gne get was u deserve and thats to rott in prison. They should hang his butt. Lol im against robert and i will be there for the court hearing to make sure he gets the max
Robbie has apparently made some changes in his life since this incident. I believe that he has had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, but Christians also need to remember that the Lord forgives our sin but doesn’t remove the consequences. I wasn’t a witness to the shooting, but no matter what the reason or situation, a young man is dead. There will probably be some type of jail time for Robbie. As a Christian, the Lord will be with him and help him through the trial as well as any possible time in prison.
Hawghead, sounds like you may have (or believe that you do) some credible evidence? Have you spoken with the authorities? If your answer is no , then I ask, why not? If I were in the same situation, I would run to get a gun also. If I believed that I (and others around me) were in imminent danger then I would choose to defend myself. And then contact the proper authorities if it were necessary. Again I say, just because YOU would choose not to defend yourself does not make it a crime for others. It has been stated that the occupants of the vehicle were firing into the crowd of people, that is why Robert retrieved the firearm and RETURNED fire. I guess that will come out at trial?
First of all R Jay you do not have all the facts. Like I said earlier the facts will come out in court. There is a lot more to this incident than what is being reported. As far as my statement about taking cover and calling the police. That is what should have been done instead of running several yards to retreive a gun and then running back and firing at a vehicle that is fleeing. I’m not choosing sides here only commenting on what has been released. This was a terrible incident and should have never happened. Alcohol, minors and firearms never mix very well. Let’s just wait until all the facts are on the table.
WORRIED RESIDENT…..I won’t allow you to get the best of me, but the truth will come out in court….so you should attend a few days!
ANGRYMOM……I couldn’t agree more with you!
Robbie is a great person and let’s all take note that he didn’t just shot and/or kill a TEENAGER, he was an adult (and that is all I am going to say about that).
ANGRYMOM….I couldn’t agree more!
If someone comes to my property uninvited I DO NOT have to let them stay. If I ask them to leave (SEVERAL TIMES) and then when they finally do begin to leave they start to shoot at myself and my INVITED GUESTS I should just take cover and call the police? UNREAL! As a property owner and a citizen of the United States I DO HAVE RIGHTS to defend myself and my personal property. Regardless of the fact that YOU may choose NOT to defend yourself, does not make it a crime for others to defend themselves.Yes, they were leaving, but they were firing a weapon. Yes he RETURNED gunfire. Even though they were in a vehicle they were still a very viable threat to this young man and his guests that WERE invited. WHITEPUNKNOTONDOPE your opinion is also irrelevant. Mine too, but I think that YOU are ignorant. Also, if the girl that was in the vehicle was in fact his ex-girlfriend why would they choose to show up at his home in the middle of the night uninvited? Looking for trouble possibly?
@ angry mom: If your refering to me I am simply going by what has been reported. It appears you have for some reason become very defensive without cause. Most of the time when people comment on these kinds of articles it is their opinion based on what they belive and what has been reported. Be it correct or not. They have the right to express themselves just as the Constitution of the United States of America States says. They are simply exercising the right to do so. So, please if you do not agree with someone don’t try to stop them from expressing themselves. Be a little more considerate as I have been to you. I’m not trying to stop you I am just asking that you be fair. I think we all understand that a young life has been taken and another young life very well may be ruined dependeing on the out come.
Just saying.
“…quit judging the only one to judge is the lord and you are not him.”
Angry Mom I got some news for you, the Lord is NOT the only one to judge, we all have the capability to judge and I judge you ignorant.
More importantly, there WILL be an appointed judge on this case and he/she and possibly the jury WILL JUDGE this young man. What your Lord thinks is irrelevant.
Everybody that doesn’t know the whole story and wasn’t there, quit judging the only one to judge is the lord and you are not him. i went to school with robbie. very nice guy will do anything for anybody. theres more to this story and the only ones that actually knows what happen is the ones that was there themselves. quit assuming if you dont know first hand. and another thing why didnt the people in the car take the guy shot to jay hospital. from where it happen to the hospital is only about 5-7 mins away. were they scared? if so jay hospital employees would have called the police and they would have been there in a minute.So before you judge know the truth, i am not on anybodies side because i do not know the whole truth. but i am not judging. shame on you
I’m not sure all the facts have not come out here but, anyone who shoots at a car or truck with a gun knowing there is a high possibility of someone being in there should be held accountable for the action and consequences there of. Even if it was just a person trying to scare someone.
It amazes me how some of the people who write on here seem to forget that some things are against the law. If I remember correctly the laws are generally made by the people for the people. And, normally to protect. Just saying.
There’s point in people arguing over what is already done. Two young people lives ended up being forever changed. One lost their life, and now one is facing prison. We can’t change the past, no matter how bad we want to. We just need to pray and hope for the best, and for justice to be served.
I agree with Hawghead, and would add his whole thing is just a waste and such a human tragedy.
No I wasn’t there but there is no excuse for firing a weapon into a vehicle that is leaving the scene. Even if there were gunshots coming fromt the vehicle, which seems to be in question, you take cover and call the police. There’s more to this story than what the media is putting out. The truth will come out in court…..Let justice be served.
why wasn’t the kid that was shot took to Jay hospital? they could have tried & stablized him enough to send him to Pensacola..geesh..otherwise people need to keep quiet..if you wasn’t there..then you don’t know..they kids was asked to leave SEVERAL times..
Where did Robbie get a gun? If Robbie hadn’t had access to a gun, all the drunken anger in the world wouldn’t have resulted in that other kid dying.
Take the gun out of the equation, and he wouldn’t be going to prison, and the other kid would still be alive.
Toughen up Robbie, you’re in for hard time. Maybe in a few years when you’re a free man again you can make better choices.
the young man and his friends were driving off when Floyd shot at them killing Benjamin. Floyd didn’t care who he killed, he was just that mad. could it be that the girl with the other guys was once his girlfriend and he couldn’t stand to see that? when you shoot at someone leaving you can’t plea self defense.
I am all for defending self and family but I question the need to fire into a car leaving the scene. where is the iminate danger? they were leaving, which means the threat was nuetralized. this is clearely bad judgement and Alcohol and firearms are never a good combination together.
A teenager is dead and y’all are on here talking about this guy is an inspiration!!! GET REAL!!!!!!
We’re behind you Robbie!!! Stand tall with your head up high!!! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers…
Alcohol and firearms are never a good mixture…………
Robbie, you have a whole community and another family standing with you through this trial. You hold strong and keep your faith. The truth will set you FREE my brother. The LORD will not leave you, nor forsake you now or ever. We all love you and we will be right there will you as we have been from the beginning. Prayers to you and your family….and thanks for being such and inspiration to me and my family the past year and for allowing me to be apart of your journey. I love you brother!