Frostproof murders accused face trial as cases move forward

The three defendants in the July 2020 triple homicide case all appeared before Polk County 10th Criminal Circuit Court in Bartow in recent days as each of their three separate cases moved closer to trial.

Accused shooter Anthony Lee “TJ” Wiggins, 28, went to trial Friday before Judge J. Kevin Abdoni. His attorney, Debra B. Twomy, ​​filed a motion to postpone the hearing to April 3, which Abdoni granted. The judge also scheduled a status hearing for 8:15 a.m. Jan. 27 to discuss deadlines for both sides while they prepare their cases. A new trial date may also be set.

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Wiggins was charged with three counts of first-degree murder as the alleged shooter in the shootings of Brandon Rollins, Kevin Springfield, and Damion Tillman as they prepared for an overnight fishing trip on Frost Lake.

If Wiggins’ guilt is proven, he could face the death penalty.

Brandon Rollins’ mother, Dottie Payton, described the hearing as “very tense” as representatives from all of the victims’ families sat in the courtroom on Friday. She said that most of the relatives were in tears.

On Tuesday, Wiggins’ brother, William Wiggins, appeared before Judge Laurie A. Winstead and his case went ahead. His attorney Corey Chastang said he and his client needed more time to prepare for trial.

A trial date has not been set. Wiggins Jr., 24, has been charged with three counts of post hoc complicity in a capital offense and one count of falsifying evidence.

A third defendant, 29-year-old Mary Whittemore, also appeared before Winstead on Tuesday. Her lawyer, Jonathan Mills, said more time is needed before he awaits trial.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty and remain in custody at the Polk County Jail.

This article originally appeared in The Ledger: All those accused of the Frostproof murders are on trial.

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