Bartow, Fla. – The penalty phase of the murder trial against Tony “TJ” Wiggins resumed Thursday in Polk County Circuit Court, with the families of the three victims taking the stand to describe the lives cut short by the 2020 shooting.

Victims’ families speak

First to testify was Dottie Payton, mother of Brandon Rollins. Payton recalled her son’s bright future, noting he was the last child still living at home and had hopes of starting his own family. “He didn’t have children, but he dreamed of having one someday,” she said, adding that she now faces a future without the grandchildren she expected to welcome.

Elizabeth Tillman, mother of Damion Tillman, described her son as a constant source of joy, always wearing a smile. She emphasized that the community will feel the loss of his kindness for years to come.

Defense presents character witnesses

In response, the defense called Mary Karns, the former girlfriend of Wiggins’ father, who has known the defendant since childhood. Karns painted a picture of a young man who “gets along with everyone,” calling him “like my own kid” and expressing concern that he remains “a little unhappy” and uncertain about his direction in life.

The defense also called a licensed psychologist and a neuropsychiatrist. Both experts testified that Wiggins grew up in poverty and endured physical and emotional abuse, factors they argued contributed to his later criminal behavior. They suggested that these early hardships should be considered mitigating circumstances when the jury decides between the death penalty and life without parole.

What lies ahead

The penalty phase will continue on Friday, with additional defense witnesses expected to testify. After all testimony is heard, the jury will deliberate on whether Wiggins should receive the death penalty or a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

The case has drawn significant attention in Frostproof and the surrounding Polk County communities, where the three friends were well‑known. Local residents have expressed both sorrow for the victims and concern over the outcome of the sentencing phase.

Judge [Name] reminded the courtroom that the decision must be based on the law and the evidence presented, emphasizing the gravity of imposing the ultimate punishment.

Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.