Seath's Mother Takes the Stand
Published June 6th, 2012
By: Yaremi Farinas
Opening statements in the Amber Wright and Kyle Hooper trial started today.
They are facing charges of first degree for the killing of 15-year-old Seath Jackson.
There are two separate juries for this trial.
Each jury heard opening statements separately and were then brought together when witnesses were called to the stand.
One of those who testified today was the victim's mother.
Sonya Jackson tried hard to fight back tears when asked about the last time she heard from her son Seath on April 17th 2011.
"So between 8:15 maybe a quarter to nine you were texting Seath," said State Attorney Amy Berndt.
"Yes," said Jackson.
"And is that the last time you spoke to him or had any communication with him," said Berndt.
"Yes," said Jackson.
Sonya Jackson testified she saw another defendant, Michael Bargo, arguing with her son sometime before he was murdered.
Prosecutors told us both juries that five people took part in Seath's death.
One of them being 16-year-old amber wright who was Seath's ex-girlfriend.
"Amber Wright knew that Seath Jackson still had feelings for her and was very hurt by their break up. Using that knowledge that Seath still cared for her the defendant Amber Wright lured him into Charlie Ely's home," said Berndt.
A trailer in Summerfield, where the prosecutors said Seath was beaten, shot to death and then his body burned in a fire pit.
Prosecutors argue Wrights' brother, 17-year-old Kyle Hooper also participated in killing Seath.
"Kyle Hooper beat Seath Jackson with a board once he arrived at that house. Kyle Hooper helped drag Seath back into that house when Seath almost escaped," said Berndt.
Defense attorney David Mengers said Hooper was the one to tell Seath to leave the trailer, but agreed that Hooper helped drag Seath back into the house when he tried escaping.
"The truth is plan and simple that a murder was committed, a gruesome murder was committed. It was committed by Michael Bargo not by Kyle Hooper," said Mengers.
Wright's lawyer did not give opening statements today. He chose the right to reserve and possibly speak during another part of the trial.
Charlie Ely and Justin Soto have already been sentenced to life in prison for their role in the murder.
Michael Bargo has not yet been tried.
It's possible the Wright- Hooper trial may last until next week.
