TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Paige Vowell, one of eight people charged in the death of Hoyt Birge has been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
On Friday, the jury found Vowell guilty of first degree murder, two counts of kidnapping to inflict great bodily harm, terrorize or facilitate a felony, and accessory after the fact.
"We're completely happy with the results. We feel like justice has been served in this case," said family friend Danielle Hay. "We love Hoyt and we're here supporting him all week, and it's been along week, but it's finally over."
Vowell's mom was at the trial, but declined our request for comment.
Judge Fitzpatrick told the courtroom, he will request Vowell serve her time near Leon County.
Vowell is the first suspect of eight to be tried in court for the murder of Birge in May 2017.
The seven others arrested in connection with the murder of Birge will face trial in September.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Day two of testimony continued in the murder trial of Paige Vowell.
Jurors at the Vowell hearing were visibly struck by photographs from Hoyt Birge's’ autopsy.
Forensic Pathologist Lisa Flannigan's testimony described graphic photos of Birge's body after his injuries .
She used a pointer to indicate where a bullet entered Birge’s arm, exited his arm, then re-entered through his chest.
The state also called for testimony from Detective Paul Salvo. He described evidence of bloody clothes found in a Southwood dumpster, as well as receipts for clothing items and cleaning supplies from a purse that likely belonged to Vowell.
Hoyt's family and friends watched as witnesses discussed the evidence, and say they only want the best for their beloved.
"It's not a game when you play with someone's lives and it seems like they, you know, there are so many people involved and its just insane, it's crazy and I want to see that Ms. Vowell gets what she deserves through all of this," said Mickey Eastwood, Birge' friend.
The trial is expected to continue Friday.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - At least four people took the stand in day one of testimony for the murder trial of Paige Vowell.
The 29-year-old is on trial for her involvement in the killing and clean-up of Hoyt Birge.
Vowell listened as witnesses of the crime explained in detail the gruesome scene surrounding Birge's death.
The initial plan was to rob Birge of ten pills known on the street as "Blues".
According to testimony, when Birge fought back he was struck several times in the head and neck with a small carpenters hammer.
As family and friends hear the last moments of Birge's life, they hope justice is served.
"For me it was devastating. It was shocking and I couldn't fathom. I was hoping they would say oh it's a joke," said Krystina Goim.
More witnesses are expected to take the stand.
Vowell's murder trial is expected to last through the end of the week.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Jury selection began Monday for the trial of Paige Vowell. She's one of eight people charged in the death of Hoyt Birge.
Lawyers spent hours meeting and selecting jurors for the case involving first degree murder suspect Paige Vowell.
Vowell is one of the first of eight suspects to begin trial for the murder of Hoyt Birge, who was found dead inside of a trunk of a car at the U Club Apartments on May 9, 2017.
Dozens of jurors filled the room as attorneys asked questions about their family, criminal history and their relation to any of the people in the case all to 14 people to serve as the jury during the trial.
"Just wanna have people that don't have any life experiences that my play into a factor," said Chuck Collins, Vowell's attorney.
Vowell's attorney says this is only time lawyers really get to talk to jurors and answer questions they may have. The trial is set for this Wednesday where both sides will be able to make opening statements.
