Opening statements to begin Monday in sentencing trial for man who killed Nassau County deputy

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – The sentencing trial for the man who killed a Nassau County deputy will move forward on Monday after the jury was seated on Friday.

Opening statements will begin on April 15 for Patrick McDowell’s sentencing trial. McDowell pleaded guilty to shooting Moyers during a traffic stop in September 2021.

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Friday was the sixth day of jury selection. The court screened roughly 1,200 Nassau County residents.

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They were questioned in groups of 50 to find out if they could fairly listen to and consider all testimony. A portion of the screening involved asking the potential jurors what they’d seen and heard from local news coverage.

Prosecutors only need eight jurors to agree to send McDowell to Florida’s Death Row.

His mental health and documented Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are expected to be front and center during this sentencing trial.


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