Triple murder trial begins in Bartow, Florida: TJ Wiggins faces jury

Jury selection is underway in Bartow, Florida, for Tony "TJ" Wiggins, accused of shooting three friends dead during a fishing trip in 2020.

Jury seated in Frostproof triple murder case as Wiggins trial opens in Bartow

Jury selection began this week in Bartow, Florida, for Tony "TJ" Wiggins, who faces three counts of first-degree murder in the July 2020 shooting deaths of Brandon Rollins, Keven Springfield, and Damion Tillman. Fox13news.com reports that Wiggins appeared in court wearing a suit and tie as proceedings got underway in Polk County.

Investigators allege Wiggins ambushed the three men at a lake near Frostproof after overhearing their plans to go fishing at a nearby Dollar General store. Authorities say the confrontation grew out of a dispute over the sale of a truck engine.

According to law enforcement, Wiggins followed the group to the lake and opened fire. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated that forensic evidence on a shell casing recovered at Wiggins' trailer was instrumental in building the case against him.

"He starts shooting Keven and Brandon inside the white truck. It's estimated he shoots them nine to ten times between the two of them," Judd said.

Wiggins was arrested in connection with the killings, which took place on 17 July 2020. Following his arrest, the family of Brandon Rollins said they felt some degree of closure.

Rollins' mother, Dottie Payton, said: "Brandon, Keven, and Damion will now rest in peace knowing that Mr. TJ won't be out on the street anymore."

Court officials have not indicated how long the jury selection process will take should it extend beyond Friday. How the defence intends to address the forensic evidence tied to the shell casing found at Wiggins' trailer has not been disclosed.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)