Monday, January 27th:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@9am ET) – FL – Voncile Smith (77), Richard Thomas Smith (49) & John William Smith (47) (July 28, 2015, Pensacola) - *Donald Wayne Hartung, Sr. (63 in 2015; now 69) arrested & charged (10/27/15) with 3 counts of premeditated 1st degree murder. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek DP.
All three bodies were found beaten with claw hammers. All three had their throats slit, & Richard Smith was found with a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities have evidence that led them to believe witchcraft was somehow involved in their deaths, saying it was a ritualistic act. Investigators noted that their murders occurred on the night of a blue moon, which is heavily referenced in witchcraft lore. Motive per DA – money.
Trial began on 1/13/20 with Jury selection thru 1/17/20 when jury is completed. Trial began on 1/21/20.
1/21/20 Day 1: Opening statements. State witnesses: Special Agent Andrew Smith (with FDLE). Hal McCord (Dept of Homeland Security). Daryl Singleton (Former Officer). Christine Rollins (Former crime scene tech). Trial continues on 1/22.
1/22/20 Day 2: State witnesses: Christine Rollins (Former Crime Scene Tech). Lindsay Eliopulo. Sgt. Rusty Bjorensen. Lawrence Masita (Crime Scene Unit). Rachel Smith (Latent Print Examiner). Tammy Dunkin (DHS). Kevin Pallamino (FPS Employee). George Jacobi (DHS). Brandon Garrison (Walmart Employee). Diva Holland. Daid Flatt (Friend of John's). Trial continues on 1/23.
1/23/20 Day 3: State witnesses: Jurors watched Hartung's police interview this morning. The first video is about 1.5 hours. This interview was conducted on the day the bodies were found on July 31, 2015. Special Agent Matt Infinger (with FDLE; did 1st interview w/defendant). 2nd interview on Aug. 1, 2015 shown to jurors. Special Agent Christopher Williams. Brad Gordon. Trial continues on 1/24.
1/24/20 Day 4: State witnesses: Marlin Purifoy (jailhouse informant). Recalled Special Agent Matt Infinger. Jessica Bohon (Probate). Wayne Right. Seaborn Rodenbury, Jr, (Attorney). Mark Bailey (Defendant's Co-worker). Donald Hartung. Jr. (defendant's son). Trial continues on 1/27 when the State will rest their case.