May 18, 2013
The murder case against two young brothers in Florida accused in a brutal attack on their father is now in the hands of a jury.
Jurors in Pensacola started deliberations Friday morning.
Alex and Derek King, who are 13 and 14, face mandatory life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder.
The boys initially confessed shortly after their dad was beaten to death with an aluminum baseball bat.
But at their trial, a different story emerged. Defense lawyers contended that the brothers confessed to protect family friend and convicted child molester Ricky Chavis. They claim Chavis was the real killer, and that he coached the boys on what to say to police.
In an unusual move, Chavis also was tried for King's murder, by the same prosecutor in the boys' trial. The verdict in the Chavis case has been sealed until the brothers' trial ends.
