The trial against a local man accused of killing 20-year-old Sheby Farah during a robbery at a Metro PCS has taken a tense turn.
The public defender's office claims the State Attorney's Office broke the law when it showed the surveillance video of the killing to the victim's brother.
Only on Action News Jax, Lorena Inclan spoke with the Farah's mother Darlene, who said prosecutors are working against her.
The public defender's office, which is representing Farah's accused killer James Rhodes, is blasting the state after prosecutor Bernie de la Rionda showed Shelby Farah's brother Caleb Farah the video of the moment she was killed, against Shelby's mother's wishes.
Lorena Inclan: “Did anybody ask you specifically for permission for Caleb to see the video?”
Darlene Farah: “No, nobody did, but why would they when I'm sitting there telling him I don't think it's a good idea.”
Darlene Farah, who has been vocal about being against the death penalty, said the issue has damaged the relationship she has with her son, who is for the death penalty.
“The more he lashes out at me, the harder it's going to make me fight because I’ll be darn if I’m going to let the prosecutor come in between cause friction between my son and me,” Darlene Farah said.
The Public Defender said showing Caleb Farah the video was a violation of a state statute, which clearly states, "If there is no surviving spouse, then the surviving parents shall have access to such records," — meaning only Darlene Farah has the authorization to see it.
Public Defender Deborah Billard said in a letter to de la Rionda, "I am disturbed to think that you would have considered violating a clearly written Florida Statute and, as a result, attempted to justify your desire to have Mr. Rhodes killed by citing the opinions of Caleb Farah."
Darlene Farah said she wants people to know she's not feeling sorry for Rhodes. What she wants is simple; she said she wants her family to heal.
"If they take his offer, if part of his offer is no appeals, no nothing, it will be over with," said Darlene Farah.
Action News Jax has reached out to the State Attorney's Office for comment, but we still haven't heard back.