Date set for 4th murder trial

PANAMA CITY — A judge has set a date for a Fountain man’s fourth trial in the stabbing, shooting and bludgeoning death of his neighbor.

Philip Dean Brock is charged with murder, grand theft and robbery with a firearm in the December 2012 slaying of his 65-year-old friend and neighbor Terry Brazil. Thursday his fourth trial on the charges was set to begin Sept. 29 in a week-long proceeding. Due to scheduling conflicts with other trials, Brock’s trial will take place at the juvenile courthouse.

Brock allegedly bound Brazil, then beat, stabbed and shot him before stealing several items from his residence.

Though the knife and gun used in Brazil’s slaying were never recovered, state prosecutors have leaned on DNA evidence present on a roll of duct tape and bed post — supposedly used in Brazil’s death — belonging to Brock.

Members of three separate 12-person juries have hung up on the strength of the state’s case against Brock. Larry Basford, lead prosecutor, previously expressed to the court that the evidence and testimony accumulated over the course of the previous trials would convince jurors to return a unanimous verdict of guilt.

Brock faces life in prison if convicted. He has been denied bond and will remain in jail until the trial.