The state offered its closing argument Thursday in the first trial of inmates allegedly involved in the Vaughn prison riot.
In its closing argument, the prosecution characterized two defendants as leaders of the takeover, and one as a “soldier.”
Deputy Attorney General John Downs outlined for the jury the charges against Jurreau Ayers, Dwayne Staats and Deric Forney. The charges include three counts of first-degree murder of correctional officer Steven Floyd.
Downs said the sixteen inmates charged with Floyd’s death did not all murder him. And he noted the evidence does not show who inflicted the “death blow.”
But he said all inmates working together to assault Floyd and two other correctional officers and carry out the riot are responsible under accomplice liability.
“If you assaulted Wilkinson you can be found guilty for assaulting Smith and for murdering Floyd," said Downs. "Because the wheels started turning.”
Downs also referenced Staat’s testimony earlier this week that he was the architect of the riot.
Downs admitted fingerprint and DNA evidence were not conclusive because the inmates lived in the building. He told the jurors to focus on witness testimony.
In his closing argument, Staats, who is representing himself, called the state's investigation after the incident “deficient.” Forney’s attorney, Bejamin Gifford, said the state played down the importance of physical evidence to serve its ends.
Gifford called the investigation “a tragedy.”
Ayers, who is also defending himself, pointed to inconsistencies in witness testimony.
Staats, Ayers and Forney are charged with a total of eleven counts of murder, kidnapping, assault, riot and conspiracy.
The trials are now in the hands of the jury. The group begins deliberations on Friday morning.
These three inmates are the first of 18 who will likely be tried through the spring.
The trials of the next several inmates are set to begin Nov. 26.
This story has been updated.
