INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Jurors heard opening statements in the Indian River Courthouse today in the murder trial State vs. Bradford Vose.
On Sept. 8, 2010, Bradford Winslow Vose, then-21 years old, shot and killed Joseph Farruggio in Vose’s home, after what was allegedly a marijuana deal turned bad.
According to both the prosecution and defense, six shots were fired from a firearm in Vose’s possession, four of which hit the victim, Joseph Farruggio.
“The last bullet, the defendant put the barrel of the gun to the forehead of the victim, right between the eyes, and he pulled the trigger, killing him,” said Assistant State Attorney Chris Taylor in his opening statement.
Taylor continued to describe a scene in which Farruggio arrived at the defendant’s home to meet Vose and his acquaintance, Courtney Jones, for the purpose of selling them high-grade marijuana known as “kryp” marijuana.
According to Taylor, a quarter pound of “kryp” commonly sells for between $1,000 and $1,200. Taylor said the evidence will prove Vose and Jones never planned on purchasing the marijuana, but rather intended to steal it.
In the events that would transpire, Vose and Farruggio would engage in a physical struggle in which Vose lost a single tooth and was bleeding from his mouth.
Farruggio suffered four gunshot wounds of six shots fired from a firearm belonging to Vose.
Following Taylor’s opening statements, Defense Attorney Bobby Guttridge delivered his opening statements to the jury, describing the case as one of self-defense.
“We are going to prove to you that there in fact was no robbery. We are going to prove to you that in fact, there was no murder,” Guttridge said.
Guttridge went on to describe a scene in which Vose was “beat to a bloody pulp” by an angered Farruggio after Jones allegedly fled the scene with the marijuana. He went on to warn the jury that Jones may have incentive to give a testimony that may not align with the truth.
According to Guttridge’s opening statement, Jones will appear on the stand at some point in the trial expected to last between two and three weeks. He also alluded to testimony that may be given by the defendant himself.
Senior Judge James Midelis is presiding over the court proceedings.
