Murder of Nassau County Deputy Josh Moyers: Attorneys need more time to gather evidence for trial

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — Attorneys for the man accused of killing a Nassau County deputy and his alleged accomplice say they need more time to gather evidence for trial.

Action News Jax told you back in September when Deputy Joshua Moyers was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

On Thursday morning, a judge rescheduled a pre-trial hearing for Patrick McDowell and Breiona Tole.

Both of their attorneys say they just need some time to sift through a large amount of digital evidence, like the communication they had on their phones.

The judge excused McDowell from appearing in Thursday’s court hearing because he is being held in Duval County.

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Since Tole is being held in Nassau County, she did make an appearance.

Investigators say Tole drove to a Callahan sports complex where McDowell was hiding in an attempt to remove him, before she saw deputies and sped off.

Tole faces one felony charge of accessory after the fact. She has pleaded not guilty.

McDowell is accused of shooting and killing Moyers during a traffic stop last September.

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office says he then hid in the woods, and shot a JSO K9 who was searching for him. McDowell escaped, and that K9 survived.

But after a five-day manhunt, deputies found him hiding out inside a bathroom at a Callahan little league field.

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McDowell faces 10 felony charges, including first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon on a K9 officer. Through his lawyer, he has pleaded not guilty in a previous hearing.

McDowell’s trial was originally set for March 22, but since he has waived the right to a speedy trial, it could be postponed to a later date. McDowell and Tole are scheduled to face a judge on Thursday, April 7 at 8:30 a.m.

We’ll keep you updated on any developments.

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