Deland, Florida – An Orange City man, Markland Roberts, was acquitted by a jury of manslaughter charges in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Deltona High School student, Xyrus Zelaya. Roberts, 46, was also acquitted of attempted manslaughter in the shooting of another youth, Jacob Hope. The jury’s verdict was delivered after deliberation that lasted close to two hours.
Following the reading of the verdict, Roberts showed signs of emotion as his defense attorney, Tammy Jaques, comforted him. Supporters of Roberts and Zelaya’s family and friends reacted differently in the courtroom, with some weeping at the outcome of the trial.
The shooting incident occurred outside a home in Deltona during a Halloween party in 2021. Zelaya and his friends were denied entry after being initially invited, leading to a confrontation before Zelaya was shot in the left chest by Roberts. The bullet caused fatal injuries, resulting in Zelaya’s death as the youths tried to seek medical help.
During the trial, Roberts testified that he acted out of self-defense, fearing for his life after allegedly perceiving a threat from the youths in the car. Roberts recounted the events leading up to the shooting and stated that he was not aware of the severity of the situation until the following day.
While Roberts claimed self-defense, the prosecution challenged his actions, pointing out that Roberts did not follow proper protocol after firing his weapon. Assistant State Attorney Megan Upchurch questioned Roberts on his decision to shoot into a car without confirmation of any immediate danger.
Despite the acquittal, the trial shed light on the tragic events leading to Zelaya’s death and the legal complexities surrounding self-defense cases. The emotional testimonies and courtroom proceedings captured the attention of both supporters and the families involved.
As the trial concluded with the jury’s decision, the community awaits the aftermath of the case, hoping for justice and closure for all parties involved. The impact of the incident lingers, highlighting the importance of responsible firearm use and the consequences of such actions in society.