The Brief
- Closing arguments begin Monday in the triple-murder trial of Tony Lee “TJ” Wiggins Jr. in Polk County.
- Prosecutors say Wiggins tracked down Damion Tillman and killed him alongside two friends on Lake Streety Road in July 2020.
- Defense attorneys requested an acquittal, but the judge ruled jurors will deliberate on first-degree murder charges carrying potential death penalty sentences.
FROSTPROOF, Fla. – Tony Lee “TJ” Wiggins Jr. faces closing arguments Monday in his triple-murder trial following two weeks of testimony over the July 2020 ambush killings of three men near Frostproof.
Frostproof trail evidence presented
What we know:
Prosecutors say Wiggins spotted 23-year-old Damion Tillman at a Dollar General before following him to a remote spot on Lake Streety Road. Tillman was meeting 28-year-old Brandon Rollins and 30-year-old Keven Springfield for night fishing.
State evidence shows Wiggins punched Springfield over a truck engine dispute, beat at least one victim with the butt of a gun, and fired at least 10 rounds. Investigators matched DNA on spent 9 mm shell casings from the scene to casings outside Wiggins’ trailer and found blood on a truck seatbelt.
Unanswered defense questions
What we don’t know:
Defense attorneys argued the state failed to present direct evidence placing a gun in Wiggins’ hand or prove premeditation. Wiggins chose not to take the stand to explain his side of the events.
Key timeline of events
Timeline:…