OCALA, Fla. -- The first trial is underway in the death of 15-year-old Seath Jackson.
The teen was lured to his death. Five young people are charged with torturing and killing Jackson. Charlie Ely is the first suspect is standing trial for the murder. It was a packed courtroom Tuesday on both sides.
Seath Jackson was just 15, a kid with his whole life ahead of him. Still a kid herself, Charlie Ely is on trial, accused of luring Jackson to her home where he was beaten, shot and burned to death. His remains were stuffed into paint cans.
Despite the gruesome details, Ely's grandfather is standing behind her side. "I hope the truth comes out, comes out what little she had to do with," said Jimmy Ely.
Four others are also facing charges for Jackson's death in April, including Michael Bargo. There was also testimony about Ely's changing story in the days following Jacksons death. "She told me something bad happened to Seath. He was shot at and ran away," said Ely's ex-boyfriend Christian on the stand. "We've also heard stories about the different stories she's told but there's been little evidence that she participated in killing Seath Jackson," said Ely's attorney Jonathan Bull.
Ely's grandfather says its hard to sit in court and watch his own flesh and blood in a trial with so much on the line. "Sure. You know it is. Grandparents, there's nothing more I can say," said Ely.
The trial is expected to start up again Wednesday morning. Prosecutors hope to wrap up Thursday.
Ely's attorney wouldn't say whether she'd take the stand in her own defense.
No trial dates have been set for the remaining suspects in the case.
