Your World

Your World
Capture, share community events

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Bailiffs Pull Quadruple Murder Defendant From Courtroom

POSTED: Monday, July 28, 2008
UPDATED: 9:01 pm EDT July 28, 2008

A long-delayed murder trial of a man accused of killing three men and a woman in a house near Orange Park had barely started Monday when the defendant began making outbursts, threatening to fire his lawyers and -- as he was physically removed from the courtroom -- telling to arrest the judge "for illegal activities."

Prosecutors said Gary McCray shot and killed four people on May 23, 2004 in a house known for illegal drug activity.

More than four years ago, Clay County deputies investigating reports of shots being fired found Phillip Perrotta, 53, John Whitehead, 37, John Oliver Ellis, Jr., 51, and Robin Selkirk, 45, dead of gunshot wounds.

Investigators said they were each shot with a high-powered semi-automatic, two of them as they were running away.

Clay County deputies said McCray apparently knew his victims and the house was known for drug activity. The house has since been destroyed.

Authorities said it was one of the worst crimes ever committed in Clay County.

Orange Park murder victimsSeveral days after the slayings, McCray was arrested in a motel near Tallahassee and held on drug charges while prosecutors built their homicide case against him.

In February 2006, Judge Frederic Buttner found McCray not competent to stand trial and sent him to a Florida State Hospital for treatment. Late that year, after hearing the recommendation of doctors at the mental hospital, Buttner ruled McCray was able to assist in his own defense.

As a jury was being seated on Monday, McCray became argumentative, told his lawyer to be quiet and began lecturing trial Judge William A. Wilkes about his rights.

"I am the head of the defense. I can defend myself if I feel like it," McCray told Wilkes. "I haven't fired (my lawyers) yet, but they are close to being fired."

When McCray refused to take some time and talk with his lawyers, Wilkes cut him off.

"Take him out. I've had enough," Wilkes said.

The State Attorney's Office said they intend to seek a death penalty if McCray is convicted.

Text Size

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideoClick to Expand

    • Uncut: Palin Talks To Crowd In Orange Park

      Sarah Palin gets off bus in Orange ParkFormer Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's brief remarks to the crowd gathered outside the Books-A-Million at Orange Park Mall, where the outspoken former vice-presidential candidate signed copies of her book.

    • Celebrity Chef Hit With Ham

      While handing out Thanksgiving food donations in Atlanta, celebrity chef Paula Deen was accidentally hit in the face with a ham.

    • Police: Teen Beaten With Baseball Bat

      William FoleyA 17-year-old is fighting for his life tonight after police say he was brutally beaten with a baseball bat.

    • Waycross Boy Shot With Pellet Gun, Dies

      Michael Maxwell Jr.Ware County's sheriff says Friday night's shooting of an 11-year-old boy with a pellet rifle by a football teammate remains under investigation.

    • Police: Woman Offers Sex For No Ticket

      Dashcam Of Officer Giving Woman TicketInvestigators say a Bradford County woman who got pulled over for speeding tried to work her way out a trade by offering sex to the officer that pulled her over.

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Images: Palin Greets Fans In Orange Park

      Sarah Palin visit to Orange ParkFormer Alaska Gov. Sara Palin and now best-selling author makes a two-hour stop in Orange Park Tuesday morning. Slideshow: Palin Talks To Crowd, Signs Books

    • Best Of The Worst: Mug Shot Hall Of Shame

      Kumari FulbrightCheck out these lookers who ran into the law.

    • Have You Seen These Fugitives?

      Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled. Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'

    • Images: Locals Line Up For Sarah Palin

      Books-A-Million lineTwo days before former vice-presidential candidate and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is to stop in northeast Florida to promote her new book, "Going Rogue," dozens of people were already in line to get autographs.

    • Must-See Pics: Trunk Ball

      Get your daily dose of the cute and unusual right here.