Jury Selected; Testimony Begins Today in Riley Bryan Murder Retrial

"In his mind, the threat was real, he was pinned into a corner and he did what he had to do at that time,” Bryan's Defense Attorney Amanda Sellers said during opening arguments. Sellers told jurors that the [victim] Donald Price "snapped" the night of November 7, 2009. Riley Bryan acted in self-defense.

Riley Finway Bryan, 69, is charged with the first-degree murder of Donald H. Price, 52. According to the original news release from the , the incident happened at 2640 49th St. S, Gulfport on November 2009.

The retrial began on Tuesday May 24, 2011, with jury selection. Just after 3 p.m. 14 people were sworn in, 12 jurors and 2 alternates. The jury is comprised of 8 women and 6 men. 

During opening arguments State Attorney Della Connolly told the jury, “Donald price was 52-years-old when he was murdered, shot in the forehead by this defendant. Now the defendant has been charged with the crime of first-degree, premeditated murder.”

Connolly pointed out that Bryan always carried a gun on him. He had one that night and used it to fire three shots, one "fired within 12 inches of the victim." Connolly said people will hear from experts, witnesses and the taped call Bryan made to the Gulfport Police Department after the shooting.

"It is our job over the next three days, piece by piece, to prove to you, that he is guilty, that he murdered Donald Price in a pre-meditated fashion."

Connolly said the jury will hear from a neighbor who says he heard an argument outside that night.

“What your gonna learn is that this defendant did not like being disobeyed.”

Bryan's Defense Attorney Amanda Sellers told the jury Bryan was acting in self-defense. She added that "yes" Bryan always had a gun with him. He had a license to carry a gun and "yes, he slept with his gun under his pillow."

Sellers said that night, Bryan felt something hit him from behind, he then turned around and found himself pinned against a wall.

"It’s our position that he snapped and Mr. Bryan was absolutely in fear that night when he pulled the trigger, the evidence will show that Mr. Price stormed through that front door. . . Mr. Price did die on November 7, 2009, he died because he snapped, what made him snap is an issue that you will have to determine. “

Sellers also said jurors would hear the 9-1-1 tape. "He says the crack head was coming after me with a chair, so I shot him, I shot the man, the crack head was coming after me with a chair,” Sellers said to the jury while describing the recorded call to police that night. Sellers told jurors that the victim tested positive for cocaine. 

Following opening arguments the court took a brief recess. Shortly after 4 p.m., during that break, a registered nurse was called in to check on Bryan's medical condition: he was having difficulty breathing. The registered nurse indicated that Bryan should be ok and healthy for day two of the trial, Wednesday May 25, 2011, but should leave as soon as possible. Bryan was allowed to leave early and the jury was also dismissed around that time.

Testimony is schedule to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday May 25, 2011, at the Pinellas Criminal Justice Center, 14250 49th St. N, Clearwater.