Crime & Safety
Jury Selection Begins Today in Riley Bryan Murder Retrial
Riley Bryan, 69, is charged with first-degree murder after a November 2009 shooting in Gulfport. Bryan's retrial begins with jury selection on Tuesday, May 24 in Pinellas County.
According to Sgt. Robert Burkhart with the Riley Finway Bryan, 69, was first tried in a trial for first-degree murder earlier this year. But the jury could not reach a verdict.
Bryan is charged with the first-degree murder of Donald H. Price, 52. According to the original news release from the Gulfport Police Department, the incident happened at 2640 49th St. S, Gulfport on November 7, 2009.
Officials say Bryan and Price were roommates at the time. According to the Gulfport Police Department, on Saturday, November 7, 2009, the two had a disagreement, Riley grabbed a gun and started shooting. Price was shot in the head and died from the wound. There were three witnesses in the room, including the wife of the victim.
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A pre-trial hearing was held Monday at the Pinellas Criminal Justice Center, 14250 49th St. N, Clearwater. The retrial begins with jury selection today. Attorneys anticipate giving opening arguments this afternoon.
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