NORFOLK, Va. — The trial for one of the people accused in the 2019 shooting death of a William and Mary football player ended in a mistrial Friday afternoon.
Keith Bryant Jr. was accused of first-degree murder for the death of 19-year-old Nate Evans. His trial began Tuesday.
Evans was shot four times near Old Dominion University when he was trying to sell marijuana to Kri'Shawn Beamon, who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder for the crime in 2019.
A few years later, Beamon told investigators that Bryant Jr. admitted to shooting Evans.
Norfolk
Mother of former W&M football player killed in 2019 looking for justice
Bryant Jr.'s defense argued that Beamon's testimony could not be trusted since he is also charged in the case and that the police work done in this case was troubling.
The jury deliberated for five hours before coming back into the courtroom and telling the judge that a verdict could not be reached.
Brandi Evans who has been dealing with the loss of her son Nate everyday for the last five years said she will continue to fight for her son.
"No justice was served today after five long years my family has patiently waited," Evans said. "We have fought and today we expected a guilty verdict. Unfortunately the jury was unable to reach a decision so our fight continues."
Bryant's attorney, James Broccoletti, said he thought there was enough evidence established that the Commonwealth failed to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
He also said that Bryant's family is upset with Friday's outcome.
"It's very difficult for them as I'm sure it's very difficult for the Evans family as well, I'm sure that they wanted some closure one way or another." Broccoletti, said. "Nobody wants to go through this again. "
The case has been moved to June to determine the next trial date, according to Bryant Jr.'s lawyers.
Beamon has his trial scheduled for June 25th.
It is still unclear how this mistrial will impact Beamon's case.
