In a small community in Mississippi, a horrifying incident unfolded in 2019, leading to the arrest and subsequent trial of Brooke Stringer and her boyfriend Brandon Gardner on capital murder charges. This article will delve into the details surrounding the case, shedding light on the events that unfolded and the subsequent legal proceedings. The tragedy that unfolded not only shocked the local community but also highlighted the importance of thorough investigations and the pursuit of justice.
Details In Short
- Location: Neshoba County Courthouse, Philadelphia, Mississippi
- Defendants: Brandon Lee Gardner and Brooke Taylor Stringer
- Charges: Capital murder
- Victim: 6-month-old Roselee Stringer
- Date of incident: October 26, 2019
- Date of victim’s death: October 28, 2019
- Cause of death: Homicide due to blunt force trauma to the head
- Arrest date: Friday morning (unspecified date)
- Bonds set: $500,000 each for Stringer and Gardner
- Initial appearance in Jones County Justice Court: 1 p.m. (unspecified date)
- Trial presiding judge: Judge Dal Williamson
- Motion for change of venue: Filed by Brooke Stringer and joined by Brandon Gardner on August 31, 2022
- Motion to compel: The state’s motion to compel the defense to disclose media coverage related to the trial
- Motion granted: Defendants ordered to provide complete answers to the state’s discovery request by noon on Friday (unspecified date)
- Defense counsel for Stringer: Tangi Carter
- Access agreement and emails provided: Carter provided an access agreement and multiple emails, some going to someone affiliated with Brinkworth TV, a production company that creates feature documentaries
- Death penalty: Off the table; the maximum sentence for each defendant, if found guilty, is life in prison.
Additionally:
- A trial is ongoing as of June 6, 2023.
- No information was provided regarding the trial verdict.
The Incident and Arrest
On October 26, 2019, authorities received a distressing call from the Gitano community in Mississippi. A six-month-old girl was reportedly injured at the residence of Brooke Stringer and Brandon Gardner. When paramedics arrived at the scene, the child was unresponsive and not breathing. She was immediately rushed to South Central Regional Medical Center, where medical professionals fought to save her life. Unfortunately, her injuries were too severe, and she was subsequently airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries on October 28, 2019.
Investigation and Findings
The Jones County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the Jones County District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the State Medical Examiner, launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The autopsy report and medical findings revealed that the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, leading to a determination of homicide. Assistant District Attorney Kristen Martin stated that the suspects’ statements were inconsistent with the medical reports, prompting the decision to charge Brooke Stringer and Brandon Gardner with capital murder.
The Pursuit of Justice
The arrest of Brooke Stringer and Brandon Gardner marked the beginning of a legal battle that has since captivated the attention of the local community. The trial, held in Neshoba County, commenced on June 5, 2023, with both defendants facing one count each of capital murder in the death of six-month-old Roselee Stringer. The proceedings have shed light on the tragic events that transpired in 2019 and sought to bring justice to the innocent victim.
Judge Dal Williamson presided over the trial, which was preceded by various legal motions. One notable motion filed by the state aimed to compel the defense to disclose any media coverage related to the trial. The state emphasized the need for transparency and requested information regarding media involvement and any related agreements or payments. Judge Williamson subsequently ordered the defendants to provide complete answers to the state’s discovery request.
Brooke Stringer’s defense counsel, Attorney Tangi Carter, responded to the court’s order, disclosing an access agreement and several emails. Carter revealed that some of the emails were exchanged with individuals associated with Brinkworth TV, a production company known for creating feature documentaries. However, she did not provide seven emails labeled as “work product.” Carter also clarified that neither she nor Stringer received any compensation for appearing in the documentary produced by Brinkworth Productions.
Trial Outcome
After a lengthy trial, the jury reached a verdict. A hung jury was declared in Brandon Gardner’s case, while Brooke Stringer was found not guilty of all charges. The outcome of the trial left the community divided, with some seeking closure and others questioning the effectiveness of the legal system.
Moving Forward
Despite the trial’s conclusion, the tragic death of the six-month-old girl continues to resonate with the community. The case has highlighted the importance of thorough investigations, collaboration between law enforcement agencies, and the pursuit of justice. While the legal system strives to bring closure to victims and their families, it is crucial to remember the lasting impact such incidents have on communities and society as a whole.
In conclusion, the arrest and subsequent trial of Brooke Stringer and Brandon Gardner in connection with the capital murder of a six-month-old girl have shaken the small community in Mississippi. The case has underscored the significance of thorough investigations, transparency in legal proceedings, and the pursuit of justice. As the community seeks to heal and move forward, it is essential to remember the innocent victim whose life was tragically cut short and the ongoing impact of such incidents on all those involved.
