Jury Finds Gayle Blount Not Guilty of Attempted Murder in Shooting of Ex-Girlfriend
A South Florida jury has found Gayle Blount not guilty of attempted murder after being on trial for shooting his ex-girlfriend, Bridget Knighton, at least five times inside a Miami Gardens apartment in May 2021.
Emotions Run High as Verdict is Read
Emotions were on high inside a Miami-Dade courtroom as the not guilty verdict was read out loud. Knighton broke down in tears and had to be consoled by loved ones after hearing the verdict. Her sobs filled the halls of the Metro Justice Building.
Knighton’s Reaction
Knighton was heard saying, "He’s going to kill me" tearfully. 7News spoke with Knighton and her lawyer, who said justice was not served.
Justice Not Served, Say Knighton’s Lawyer and Family
"Our belief in this case is justice not only failed her but the entire domestic violence movement of women," said Knighton’s lawyer. "In my heart, I know he’s going to come back and try to finish what he started. That’s my fear. He’s already had a taste of jail for almost four years. He’s going to come back and finish what he started because he knows he can get away with it," said Knighton.
Trial Proceedings
Blount’s trial began this week with officers and a crime scene investigator, who were first to arrive on the scene, taking the stand to testify. Blount and Knighton also had their opportunity to take the stand. During which, Knighton shared what Blount allegedly said to her as he stood above her with a gun.
"He had called 911 so he could hear the sirens, and he was like, ‘This [expletive] called the police on me, I’m going to kill her, then I’ll have to kill myself,’" Knighton said. "Every time he pulled the trigger, he said something."
Prosecutors Argue Blount Snapped, Defense Claims Self-Defense
Prosecutors argued that Blount snapped and tried to kill Knighton, while the defense said Blount acted in self-defense after he thought his life was in danger.
Rare Turn of Events
But on Thursday, the defense team played a video from the apartment that night, proving Knighton’s purse was indeed there. There was then a rare turn of events when the prosecutor said she had to apologize after they questioned whether or not a purse belonging to the victim, Bridget Knighton, was really on the sofa, a point of contention between the defense and the prosecution.
Defense Team Celebrates Verdict
The jury did not take long to reach a verdict, and it was one that the defense was happy with. "At the end of the day, justice was served," said Matthew Rogoff, Blount’s defense attorney. "The jury heard the truth and they sided with the truth."
Knighton’s Fight for Justice Continues
Although Blount was found not guilty, Knighton said she’s not stopping her fight for justice. "This is what I get? My body is changed forever. This is why women can’t come forward because it feels like the system doesn’t have your back. It’s awful. I can’t believe this happened. How did it happen?" said Knighton.
Conclusion
The verdict has left many questions unanswered, and the fight for justice is far from over. The community is still reeling from the shocking outcome, and the impact it will have on the lives of those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened during the trial?
- The trial began with officers and a crime scene investigator taking the stand to testify. Blount and Knighton also took the stand, with Knighton sharing what Blount allegedly said to her as he stood above her with a gun.
- What was the prosecution’s argument?
- Prosecutors argued that Blount snapped and tried to kill Knighton.
- What was the defense’s argument?
- The defense said Blount acted in self-defense after he thought his life was in danger.
- What was the verdict?
- The jury found Blount not guilty of attempted murder.
