BONIFAY — It took less than an hour for a jury to reach a verdict in the case of Zachary Taylor Wood, the first of two defendants charged in the 2014 slaying of James William Shores.
Wood and his co-defendant, Dillon Scott Rafsky, were indicted by a Washington County Grand Jury in June on counts of first-degree murder, burglary while armed, and robbery while armed.
The six man, six woman jury found Wood guilty as charged on all three counts after just 56 minutes of deliberation Thursday.
Shores, 66, was found at his family's old homestead at 2842 Johnson Rd., located near his Dauphin Rd. residence last April.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office discovered Shore's body while performing a welfare check at his property in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 20. Deputies had received information from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation that a vehicle connected to the April 19 shooting of an Alabama State Trooper was registered to Shores. The trooper in that case, Marcel Phillips, was treated and released from a Dothan hospital for injuries obtained during a gunfight that took place when he stopped the suspects for speeding.
Investigators testified that Shores was found face down, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound to the head, with his hands bound behind his back by a chain, and his feet tied together with a shirt.
The court also heard testimony that in addition to the beating and gunshot wound, the suspects poured a gasoline additive on Shores' back and attempted to light him on fire.
The defendant told the court he was afraid to not do as he was told by Rafsky, whom he claimed had beaten him a month earlier, shot him in the thigh the day before Shores' murder, and later attempted to shoot him after exchanging gunfire with Trooper Phillips.
Woods testified the pair had been "riding dirt roads" in a Jeep stolen from Rafsky's then-girlfriend in Enterprise, Alabama when they became stuck on Shores' property early Friday afternoon, the day of the murder.
"(We were) riding down the dirt road and passed a house," Woods told the court. "(Rafsky) put the Jeep in reverse and backed it up to an abandoned house, saying it was ok, that we were supposed to be there." Woods admitted he and Rafsky entered the home and plundered, stating Shores showed up after they were back outside, attempting to free the Jeep.
"(Shores) told us we needed to get off the property and that he would call the sheriff to pull us out. I said that would be wonderful ... I was happy when Mr. Shores showed up." he told the court.
Woods went on to say Shores drove behind the house and Rafsky followed him, where he began striking Shores in the head with a garden ho. Woods testified he then helped tie Shores' feet with a shirt, but that was his only role in the crime. He also claimed he purposely left his wallet at the scene, as well as swiped Shore's debit card multiple times after the murder in hopes law enforcement would track them down.
Defense Attorney Walter Smith argued that his client was afraid of the co-defendant, with whom Woods had previously had a romantic relationship, stating Rafsky had "nothing to lose."
"(Woods) certainly felt like (Rafsky) was capable of killing him," Smith told the jury. "Sometimes you can be made to do things you usually wouldn't do because you're afraid..."
Smith went on to point out that Rafsky's - not Woods' - DNA was found on the murder weapon.
Assistant State Attorney Larry Basford remained unconvinced, pointing to surveillance footage from a Walmart store showing Woods using Shores' debit card shortly after the murder.
"When (Woods) was in Walmart, he was happy-go-lucky, having no reservations about spending a dead man's money," Basford told the jury in closing arguments. " ... Actions speak louder than words ... he wouldn't hesitate to do anything to help his best friend. He chose to help Dillon Rafsky."
Basford also pointed out inconsistencies between Wood's court testimony and his recorded interview with investigators, which was played for the court.
In that interview, Wood stated he "may have" hit Shores to "show (Rafsky) he wouldn't snitch," but in open court, Wood testified he never struck the victim.
"This man was not truthful with officers, and he was not truthful with us when he was testifying," said Basford.
After the verdict, Shores' family stated they were satisfied with the result.
"I feel like justice was served," said the victim's son, Josiah Shores. "He got what he deserved, and we are happy with the verdict."
A penalty phase hearing begins Friday to determine if Woods will face the death penalty for his role in Shores' death.
At that time, the state will attempt to prove that the murder met four aggravating factors, including that it was done to avoid arrest; it was committed during a burglary or robbery; it was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel; and was cold, calculated and premeditated. Jurors are expected to make a sentencing recommendation of either life in prison or death to Circuit Judge Christopher Patterson at the end of the penalty phase today or Saturday.
Court proceedings are taking place in Holmes County due to Washington County's courthouse being condemned.