GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. - The upcoming trial of the man accused of murdering a Daytona Beach police officer is set to occur in Clay County, following requests from defense attorneys. 31 year-old Othal Wallace was charged with first degree murder for the killing of Officer Jason Raynor.
The rationale for the change of venue is to ensure that Wallace is given a fair trial for his accused crimes, consistent with his rights under the Sixth Amendment. Given that Raynor's murder dominated headlines in and around Volusia County, as did the subsequent manhunt for Wallace, a judge agreed with the defense that it was necessary to move the trial out of the immediate area.
Wallace is accused of shooting 26 year-old Raynor in the head in June 2021, when Raynor was inspecting suspicious activity at an apartment complex in Daytona Beach. Raynor remained alive in critical condition for over a month, finally succumbing to his injuries in August. The community rallied around Raynor in the time that followed, and a scholarship fund was set up in his name.
Meanwhile, a website set up to raise money for Wallace's legal defense claims to have amassed over $74,000 since its launch. Organizers claim Wallace acted in self-defense, and that Raynor acted outside of his duties.
