A murder trial begins Tuesday for a Statesboro man representing himself against charges arising from a June 2020 shooting.
The Statesboro Police Department arrested Rodricus Darnell Scott, now 42, after a Portal man was shot on East Main Street in Statesboro. Police say 23-year-old James Edwin Henry was killed during a dispute between Scott, his wife, and Henry, who had attempted to intervene. Following the incident, witnesses told officers that Scott was the shooter. He was located near the scene and taken into custody by a detective responding to the scene.
An 8-year-old was present at the time of the shooting, prompting child cruelty charges in addition to Felony Murder.
In November 2020, a grand jury indicted Scott on five counts including Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Cruelty to Children (1st degree), and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
Scott was initially represented by a lawyer from the Public Defender’s office but terminated that relationship as the case moved toward trial.
Accusations of Kidnapping
Since his incarceration began, Scott has filed a number of lawsuits and petitions seeking relief.
In December 2021, he filed petitions for arrest warrants of Captain Jared Akins of the Statesboro Police Department for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and violation of oath of a public officer. He sought the same for Magistrate Judge June Braswell and Jail Administrator Captain Kenny Thompson.
A lengthy handwritten complaint against Akins was also filed alleging false statements because, Scott says, he was in custody and taken to the hospital before arrest warrants were signed. When the detective arriving on scene located Scott the night of the shooting, he was reportedly suffering from gunshot wounds, which prompted his transport to the hospital.
In March 2022, Scott filed a federal civil rights suit against the Superior Court of Bulloch County alleging issues with his arrest, malicious prosecution, and inadequate medical care in the Bulloch County Jail. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher Ray dismissed those claims, in part, because neither the jail nor the court are entities which can be sued.
Scott also filed claims against Judge Michael Muldrew and Magistrate Judge June Braswell.
All of the claims were dismissed, but Scott filed amended claims in May 2022.
This old dude has an idiot for a client!