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Murder trial underway for Volusia teen accused of fatally shooting homeowner

James Powell was 15 years old at time of shooting

DeLAND, Fla. – The murder trial for James Powell, who’s accused in the fatal shooting of a man at a house party in 2019, began Tuesday in Volusia County.

Investigators say Powell was 15 years old when he shot and paralyzed Oak Hill homeowner Joel Tatro after Powell and another friend crashed a house party in 2019.

Powell was later arrested and initially charged with attempted murder, but after Tatro’s death last March, Powell was indicted on a first-degree murder charge. According to an arrest report, Tatro told Powell to leave the party and that’s when the teen allegedly pushed Tatro before shooting him in the neck.

Volusia County Judge Raul Zambrano started the day by providing jury instructions before the defense and state prosecutor shared opening statements.

The first witness called by the state was a Volusia County sheriff’s deputy who responded to the scene the day Tatro was shot. Jurors were shown certain video clips from the deputy’s body camera.

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State prosecutors then called Tatro’s son, Wyatt, to the stand. He told jurors that he knew Powell from school but explained Powell was not invited to the party.

Powell’s attorney cross-examined both witnesses.

If convicted, Powell, now 19, faces life in prison, although he’d be entitled to a sentence review after 25 years.


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